Getty Museum

Oinochoe

Date

A.D. 1–79

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Vessels

Institution

Getty Museum

The body of this oinochoe (pitcher) is relatively plain, with just two pairs of incised bands running around the shoulder. The high, arched handle, however, is elaborately fashioned. A lion’s head in relief protrudes above the vessel’s mouth, with the mane extending back atop the handle. Lower down, the rotellae (small protrusions on either side of the handle where it joins the rim) are fashioned as stylized feline forelegs, while the base of the handle takes the form of a lion’s paw. Floral motifs run along the outer face of the handle, and also embellish the join to the body. Wealthy Romans, such as those who owned luxurious homes on the Bay of Naples, used vessels like this for serving wine at banquets.

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