**Originally Listed At $500**

Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic period, ca. 304 to 30 BCE. A striking bronze situla cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, with a decorative/iconographic program delineated in bas relief, a procession of standing deities, each contained in a demarcated panel, with a mammiform base surrounded by petals to represent a lotus flower. Attached to the rolled rim are two integral suspension loops, to which handle was once fitted. The surface presents gorgeous green patina! Comes with custom stand. Size: 3.125" H (7.9 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on included custom stand.

In Egypt, the situla form was made for holding and carrying holy liquids during religious rituals; the form was used for other purposes in classical Greece. Some have been found that were later used to hold ashes, or were buried with offerings in tombs.

A similar example with somewhat more elaborate iconography sold at Christie's in 2015 for $3750: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/an-egyptian-bronze-situla-ptolemaic-period-304-30-5903863-details.aspx

Provenance: ex-private Cypress, Texas, USA collection

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#132714

Missing handle, as is often the case with ancient situla. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Beautiful green and russet patina as well as black deposits grace the surface.