A fine Etruscan Bronze Patera, ca. 4th - 3rd century BCE

This large, and remarkably well-preserved bronze patera (or offering dish), features a shallow concave bowl with square lip; a single oval loop handle attached to the bowl with three central ridges and curled ends.

Shallow bowls, such as this example, were used to pour libations, sacrifices of wine or other liquids.

for related examples see:  Richter, Gisela M. A. Greek, Etruscan and Roman Bronzes, (1915) New York: Gilliss Press no. 599, pp. 180-81, 218.

Richter, Gisela M. A. Handbook of the Classical Collection, (1917), New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, p. 137, fig. 87.

Richter, Gisela M. A. Handbook of the Classical Collection (1927)  New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, pp. 176-77, fig. 121.

de Puma, Richard Daniel. Etruscan Art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (2013), New Haven and London: The Metropolitan Museum of Art p. 192.

The World of the Etruscans, Exhibition in The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, October 2001 - Santa Ana., p.112, fig.244.

Condition:  Signs of ancient use in the form of interior abrasion, intact and in excellent condition overall.  Museum quality custom mount.

Dimensions:  Height:  26.67 cm (10.5 inches) , Diameter: 25.4 cm (10 inches) 

Provenance:   Private English collection, acquired in the late 1800's and then by descent to the present owner.