Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A cast leaded bronze distaff used as a wool-wrapping tool prior to spinning thread. Topped with a stylized standing bird on a discoid plinth, the ancient implement presents a long body that gradually widens towards its base where it finishes with a lovely ring. The bird is of minimalistic form, displaying two thick legs, a long tabbed tail, two petite wings, and a beaked visage. Large bunches of wool were first hooked around the bird's beak and then wrapped around the body before the end was fed through the ring hole. This ring enabled one to spin tight woolen threads around a separate instrument without creating an unruly mess of hair or spun thread. Size: 0.875" W x 9.125" H (2.2 cm x 23.2 cm)

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 277-280 - Ancient Objects, Coins, and Medals (February 8-11, 2012, lot 1076); ex-private Bavarian collection, acquired 1980s

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#140036

  • Condition: Repaired and painted in some areas. Burnished in modern times. Otherwise, very nice with rich patina.

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February 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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