European Bronze Age, 8th century B.C.

Bronze

H: 17.5 cm , D: 26 cm

PROVENANCE: Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 20 Nov. 1998

SERIAL NO: 10682

This large bronze cauldron is covered in a beautiful emerald green patina. The bowl is deep, its profile continuous and symmetrical; its form simple and graceful. The cauldron’s only decoration is its two handles and handle attachments. The handles themselves are slender arches of metal with a circular section, decorated with a simple spiral motif. Their ends are curved, hooking up through the loops of the handle attachments. The form of these handles is a popular one in Central Europe during the Bronze Age; many torques (neck rings) made of various metals (bronze, gunmetal, etc. ) from this period and region display the same spiral design. The handle attachments are double cruciform in shape and topped with circular rings, through which the bent ends of the handles attach to the vessel.

The cauldron, with its deep bowl, is a cooking shape, meant to be heated over an open flame. However, it is unlikely that this piece, with its smooth, undamaged surface was ever used in such a capacity. Rather, because of its high quality of workmanship, it is probable that this vessel was made to be dedicated as an offering, perhaps at a sanctuary or tomb.