Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An elegantly-shaped oinochoe with a round base, a gently rounded body, and a flared neck with a small rim. The handle sits atop the rim with a form like a peacock, with a tall, zoomorphic finial and two ornate, tail-feather-like projections flat along the rim, one on either side of the finial. The base of the handle is an actor's mask with a small opening for a mouth, an angry look, and long hair. Size: 4.25" W x 7.5" H (10.8 cm x 19 cm)

As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing an example pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#132472

Three shallow dents on the body, one below the handle, the other two around the shoulder. Small dings and dents on surface commensurate with age. Light encrustations and deep green patina on surface.