CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

The shallow basin takes the form of a Greek knob-handled patera: the handle and the rim either side are decorated with low raised knobs. The handles are elegantly looped with central supporting struts. For similar shallow basins see I Marmi Colorati della Roma Imperiale, Venice, 2002, p. 380-392, nos 83-84.

The labrum is commonly regarded as the basin for cold water in the caldarium or hot room of a Roman bath complex. They would also have been placed in the atrium of a dwelling in order to collect rain water.