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Silver was one of the main forms of moveable
wealth in antiquity. The survival of silver vessels
is extremely rare owing to the frequency with
which such material assets were melted down.
This hammered silver ewer has a tapering
cylindrical neck which opens into a wide circular
lip. The piriform body rests on a circular base
with an elegant narrow stem. There is some
repair to the body but the overall condition is
good.
The most striking feature is the lion finial which
rests on the upper, flatter part of the curved
handle. The lion is of semi-abstract form with an
impossibly slender arched back. Small markings
on the upper body indicate the ribs and the neck
is covered with a mane formed from thick, wavy
strands of hair. The long tail is delightfully
wound around one of the lion’s rear legs. The
pose, with the paws resting on the inside of the
ewer’s lip, and the lion’s wide open mouth
suggest an alert state. Perhaps this creature is
guarding the precious liquid, possibly wine, once
contained in the ewer? His gaze is certainly
directed into the vessel. Long associated with
power and status, the lion motif was no doubt
meant to reflect the prestige of the original
owner. The slender handle terminates in a face/
mask which shows traces of gold gilding. The
hair is centrally parted and swept to the sides in
thick strands. A long nose, almond shaped eyes
and full lips characterise the face. For further
decorative effect two volute scrolls run beneath
the cheeks, parting company just below the chin.
- (FF.023)
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