LARGE HELLENISTIC SILVER PHIALE WITH GORGON
Ca. 350 BC.
A silver phiale (shallow bowl) comprising a simple rim, hemispherical walls, and a flattened base. Hammered from a single sheet of metal, the phiale has petals in fine regular repoussé work chased into the silver surface, and the central head of a Gorgon. In Greek mythology, Gorgons were monsters portrayed in early classical art as winged female creatures; their hair consisted of snakes, and they were round-faced, flat-nosed, with tongues lolling out and with large projecting teeth. Good condition, repaired.
Size: L:280mm / W:40mm ; 705g
Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000