CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A SABEAN BRONZE MEASURING VESSEL
CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
Of cylindrical form, with two braided handles, one vertical, the other horizontal, a raised band around the base, an inscription in relief 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 centre of the base, perhaps plugged in antiquity
10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) diam.; 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.) high

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of Halstead B. Vander Poel, acquired in the 1980s; sold Christie's New York, 8 June 2004, lot 96.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 17.5% on the buyer's premium.

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Lot Essay

The shape and presence of a raised band around the base suggests that this is a high-status version of the type of measure which was more commonly crafted in wood and held together with metal bands. Cf. S. Simpson, (ed.), Queen of Sheba, Treasures from Ancient Yemen, The British Museum, London, pp. 134-135, no. 166 for similar.

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