Ca. 100-200 AD.
A bronze bull protome - a decorative element that represents the front part of an animal or human figure. In this case, it portrays the head and shoulders of a bull. With a lowered head and a pair of elegantly curved horns, it conveys a sense of strength and power. The attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the bull's large dewlap, and the loose skin under its throat, which adds a touch of realism to the sculpture. The accentuated eyes further enhance the lifelike quality of the piece. These sculptural elements adorned various objects, such as furniture, architectural elements, and ceremonial items. They served as ornamental embellishments, adding a touch of opulence and artistic flair to the objects they adorned.
Size: L:25mm / W:35mm ; 60g
Provenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired in the US in the 1990s.