Lot 37A
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A terracotta vessel of delightful whimsy and rustic elegance, molded in the form of a stylized sheep or ram. The vessel features a flattened body with a broad base and a rounded back, rising into a narrow neck and the simplified head of the animal, its snout rounded and muzzle slightly upturned. The surface is decorated in low relief with curvilinear incisions and stamped motifs that suggest fleece, creating a dynamic texture that captures the liveliness of the creature. A pierced aperture at the top of the back, now lightly worn, once served as a filling spout, while the mouth forms the pouring spout, both features consistent with Roman flask designs. The form likely references pastoral life, an idealized theme in Roman art that symbolized fertility, abundance, and agrarian virtue. Animal-shaped vessels such as this were used for oil, perfume, or ritual libations, and may have been part of household altars or votive offerings. Size: 6.6" L x 1.6" W x 5.5" H (16.8 cm x 4.1 cm x 14 cm)
The choice of a sheep or ram form also connects to sacrificial symbolism in Roman religion, further suggesting a ceremonial function. With its simplified silhouette and surface wear, this piece reflects the aesthetic preferences of Roman folk ceramics: functional, imaginative, and symbolically rich. Earthy orange in hue with black mineral deposits and traces of calcified encrustation, the vessel bears the marks of long burial, enhancing its archaeological charm.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194720
- Condition: Tail has been professionally reattached. Weathering to surface commensurate with age, but otherwise, mostly intact with a nice presentation and liberal remaining detail. Rich mineral deposits to surface.
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