VesselsGreek6th century BCE

Patera (shallow bowl) Handle in the Form of a Lion

late 6th century BCE

Description

This handle for a patera, a shallow cup-shaped vessel, is in the form of an outstretched leaping lion. The handle consists of larger palmetted-shaped end which the lion rests its forepaws, and the smaller, heart-shaped end provides a base for the lion's hindlegs. The hindlegs are formed as a single element, probably for stability. The head is carefully modelled, with a rippled snout, lips, eyebrows, ears, and mane.

Classification

Vessels

Technique

Cast, lost-wax process

Medium

Leaded bronze

Culture

Greek

Period

Archaic period

Century

6th century BCE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

Greatest extension: 22.3 cm (8 3/4 in.) Volutes: 6.7 cm (2 5/8 in.)

Provenance

Dr. Leo Mildenberg, Zurich, Switzerland, (by 1999-2001), bequest; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2004.

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