★ Rare and Exceptional ★

A ROMAN BRONZE FIGURINE OF AN OWL
Circa 1st-3rd century AD.
The owl is perched on a round base, standing upright with its legs spread. The small beak is pointed, and the eyes are inlaid with green glass. Body and wings are all over decorated with an incised feather-design. Remarkably, the owl wears a removable helmet or hood with a socket on top, the function of which is unknown. A highly exceptional object! Bottom of base repaired and one eye restored; top of the socket damaged.
H 97 mm (total); H 65 mm (owl with base)

Acquired on the UK art market.