SUPERB GREEK SILVER PHIALE MESOMPHALOS

Ca. 500 - 400 BC A Hellenistic silver phiale mesomphalos; a special libation bowl used for holding wine, with a hollow, rounded, raised boss, known as an omphalos, in the center surrounded with petals. The omphalos is thought to have symbolised the navel of the earth, the central point of power that all things revolved around. The lower part of the bowl is scalloped/fluted, and above it, is a corseted neck that flares outward into a wide, smooth mouth with a rolled rim. For similar see: Christie's Live Auction 2390, Antiquities, Lot. 77.
Size: 45mm x 165mm; Weight: 171g
Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired from the private collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1970s on the UK art market. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.
1500
Estimate: GBP 2500 - 3500