RARE LATE ROMAN BRONZE HANDLE WITH DIONYSIAC MYSTERY SCENE

Ca. AD 300 - 500. A cast bronze openwork handle with a broad arched frame enclosing two confronting figures participating in a Dionysiac mystery scene. Each reaches towards a central ritual object. The frame is engraved with scrolling tendrils and clusters of grapes. Above is a rectangular openwork grip with four outward-facing animal heads arranged along the upper and lower edges. Size: 110mm x 85mm; Weight: 165g Provenance: London private collection, Mayfair; ex UK collection, 1970s–1990s.

Estimate:£200

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