Roman Bronze Vessel Bowl with Eye Motif - Circa 1st to 3rd Century AD Authentic For Sale

Roman Bronze Vessel Bowl with Eye Motif - Circa 1st to 3rd Century AD

Authenticity NoticeThis artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance. All professional inventory is vetted through recognized platforms to ensure legal standing.

Details

• Object: Cast Bronze Vessel Bowl with Eye Motif - Domed Bronze Bowl

• Culture: Roman Empire - Imperial Era

• Date: Circa 100 to 300 AD - 1st to 3rd Century AD

• Material: Cast Bronze / Copper Alloy - preserving a heavy, original dark olive to chocolate brown archaeological patina

• Form: Hemispherical domed bowl construction featuring deeply cast relief exterior with prominent eye motifs and geometric spiral design

• Dimensions: Estimated approx 85 mm diameter x 45 mm height - 8.5 cm x 4.5 cm - based on comparative hand scale

• Region: Mediterranean Basin / Roman Empire - Levantine or Provincial Roman Sphere

Iconographic and Typological AnalysisThis heavy Roman bronze bowl demonstrates ancient metal casting traditions:

• Eye Motif Relief Decor: Features distinct circular eye motifs and spiraled geometric nodes cast in raised relief across the exterior surface, a protective symbol designed to ward off bad fortune or mark sacred vessel ownership.

• Deep Bowl Geometry: Constructed as a thick walled hemispherical bowl with a smooth hollow interior and a defined outer rim.

• Heavy Cast Construction: Solid copper alloy casting provides durability and structural weight across the vessel wall.

Overview and Historical ContextThroughout the Roman world, bronze bowls and specialized metal vessels were produced for domestic use, ritual offerings, and personal utility. Vessels decorated with eye motifs held symbolic protective meaning across the Mediterranean sphere, serving to ward off negativity or protect contents. Cast in heavy copper alloy, this large domed vessel with its distinct eye design represents Roman provincial bronze casting and daily material culture.

Authenticity Check

• Heavy cast bronze core displaying authentic internal casting texture inside the bowl cavity.

• Original, undisturbed terrestrial burial oxidation layer with authentic dark olive patination.

• Intact decorative rim and body with no modern repairs or alterations.

Museum Comparable Examples

• The British Museum London: Accession No 1865,0103.22 - Roman decorated bronze bowls and small vessel components.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York: Accession No 1972.118.91 - Roman imperial bronze decorated vessels.

• The Louvre Museum Paris: Inventory No AO 4512 - Roman provincial bronze vessel bowls and covers.

Academic and Typological References

• Hayes, J. W. 1984. Greek, Roman, and Islamic Metalware in the Royal Ontario Museum. Royal Ontario Museum. Bronze Vessels and Dishes.

• Bailey, D. M. 1996. A Catalogue of the Lamps in the British Museum, Volume IV: Roman Miscellaneous Bronze Vessels. British Museum Press.

ConditionVery fine archaeological condition. Complete, heavy, structurally sound bowl form with clear exterior relief eye motif, intact rim, and a rich archaeological field patina.

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