Roman Bronze Animal-Headed Ladle
Circa 2nd century A.D. With broad bowl featuring two spurs to the rim flanking the junction with the handle, carinated band below the rim, concentric rings to the base; flat-section handle with gussets to the edges and rear, hooked ibex-head finial. Cf. Tassinari, S., La Vaisselle de Bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au Musée des Antiquités Nationales, XXIXe supplément de Gallia, Paris, 1975, items 40-3, for ladles with similar animal-head finials; cf. also Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.168-169, for similar specimens.147 grams, 25 cm (9 7/8 in.). Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.