3rd century A.D. An irregular redware vessel fragment displaying a panther leaping left in raised relief; modern suspension loop to reverse. Cf. Salomonson, J.W., 'Spätrömische rote Tonware mit Reliefverzierung aus nordafrikanischen Werkstättenin' in BABesch (Bulletin van de Beschaving, Annual Papers on Mediterranean Archaeology, XLIV, The Hague, 1969, fig 60. 50 grams, 97 mm (3 7/8 in.). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. It seems that the fragments belongs to a bowl. The panther was commonly hunted in the venationes and other spectacula of ancient Rome, where exotic animals (including panthers, elephants, and bears) procured from all corners of the Roman Empire were placed in the amphitheatres for entertainment. Panthers were also relevant in the Graeco-Roman mythology, often appearing alongside Bacchus in artistic depictions, as his favourite animals. [No Reserve]