Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An intricate cast-bronze wine strainer with a central cavity which would have contained a perforated straining cup at one time. The wide scoop enabled quantities of larger fragments to be contained within while the alcoholic liquid flowed through the strainer. The sturdy handle is decorated with a stylized swan-head terminal which flares out from the upper portion, and a curved, rectangular suspension loop projects from the opposite side. The Romans drank wine on an almost daily basis, and it was available to citizens at every level of society - slaves, soldiers, farmers, and elites. Strainers were necessary to remove dregs from their wine. A bronze strainer like this example would have been a fine item owned by a wealthy family. A fine strainer example covered in thick layers of green and russet patina. Size: 4.3" W x 9.625" H (10.9 cm x 24.4 cm).

This piece has been has been tested for the presence or absence of particular elements via XRF elemental analysis. A basic 1-page summary of the XRF screening will accompany purchase, identifying each element present in the sample, as well as the quantity of elements present. A more complete analysis detailing historical data / comparisons is available for additional charge – please contact us.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140733

Loss to much of straining cavity. Slight bending to overall form, minor nicks to handle, body, suspension loop, and swan head, and minor abrasions across most surfaces. Light earthen deposits and great green and russet patina throughout.