- 95
A Late Roman Bronze Balsamarium, circa 4th Century A.D.
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description
- A Late Roman Bronze Balsamarium
- Length 4 7/8 in. 12.4 cm.
in the form of a seated bear with front paws raised, head lifted up, jaws agape, centrally parted hair on the back, and wearing a notched collar, a filling hole at the back of the head, loops on each shoulder, one with fragmentary chain attached.
Provenance
acquired in Japan in 1975
Condition
Good, minutes chips on proper right paw, surface somewhat worn in areas, chains fragmentary, pouring hole possibly had a stopper, which is now missing
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
On bear-shaped bronze vessels see A. Kozloff, Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, March 1976, pp. 83ff. For related examples see Master Bronzes, nos. 299-300, and Sotheby's, New York, May 30th, 1986, no. 52. The collars or harnesses worn by the bears point to their function as arena performers (see Toynbee, Animals in Roman Life and Art, p. 95ff.).