CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A SABEAN BRONZE MEASURING VESSEL
CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
Cylindrical in form with two braided handles, one vertical, one horizontal, a raised band around the base, a raised inscription below the rim reading, "Wahib Raymum and Nimrum, the (two) sons of Garbum Faraiya, citizen in... of B [...], (they dedicating this measure within the two's house)," a second inscription, possibly graffiti, engraved to the right of the vertical handle, a casting flaw at the center of the base perhaps plugged in antiquity
10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) diameter; 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired over 15 years ago.

Lot Essay

The shape and presence of a raised band around the base suggests that this is a more expensive version of measuring vessels traditionally crafted of wood and held together with metal bands. For a similar example see no. 166 in Simpson, ed., Queen of Sheba, Treasures from Ancient Yemen.

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