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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.109
Title
Trefoil Oinochoe
Classification
Vessels
Work Type
vessel
Date
5th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Classical period
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304530

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
18.8 x 5.4 x 9.9 cm (7 3/8 x 2 1/8 x 3 7/8 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina is a rough brown and green, with an area of green fibrous pseudomorphs, over a smooth reddish brown. Small losses have occurred at the rim and the bottom of the handle, and portions of the rivets are missing. There are cracks in the lower portion of body and at the handle attachment to the rim.

The body of the vessel was fabricated by hammering to raise the sides and shape the neck and rim. The handle was probably made by casting and then hammering. Tool marks from cold working can be seen on the handle surface. The handle was mechanically attached with rivets. A piece of sheet metal was used in antiquity for reinforcement inside the rim where the handle is attached.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.109
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
The body of this trefoil oinochoe is apple-shaped with a cylindrical neck (1). The trefoil mouth is relatively small and thin. The base is flat. The single handle is attached to the vessel by two rivets on the lip below the mouth and one to three rivets at the attachment plate. The handle curves sharply above the mouth and then descends in a straight line to the body. The edges of the handle are raised; the midrib of the handle is decorated by a raised band with a beaded border on either side. The shape of the attachment plate may be a vegetal motif or a simple circle.

NOTES:

1. Compare T. Weber, Bronzekannen: Studien zu ausgewahlten archaischen und klassischen Oinochoenformen aus Metall in Griechenland und Etrurien (Frankfurt, 1983) 430, nos. A.I.1-4, pl. 20.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu