Artwork Page for Canteen or Balsamarium

Details / Information for Canteen or Balsamarium

Canteen or Balsamarium

50–250 CE

Roman

Medium
Bronze, cast
Measurements
height: 17.8 cm (7 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Barbara S. Robinson and Family 2023.105
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The goat heads on the shoulder of this vessel each have inlaid silver eyes.

Description

A utilitarian container, this nearly spherical cast bronze vessel survives in surprisingly good condition. Two goat heads on the shoulder, each with inlaid silver eyes, serve as decorative attachments, holding two hand-wrought linked chains – a shorter one to secure the stopper and a longer one for hanging or carrying the vessel. The round body of the vessel is nicely complemented by a decorative program of shallowly incised bands and concentric circles.
A cast bronze spherical vessel extends into a cylindrical neck and features two horned animal heads on its shoulders. Greenish-aged with mottled dark brown patches, the surface is incised with large concentric circles surrounding a smaller central one. A thick braided chain attaches to the animal heads, forming a draped carrying strap, while a thinner chain links a small cap to the shoulder on our left.

Canteen or Balsamarium

50–250 CE

Roman

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