Asset number
1241958001
Description
One of a pair of copper alloy oinochoe or flagons. This object imitates the form of contemporary copper alloy flagons used by the Etruscans. This flagon is inlaid with coral and red glass 'enamel' at the foot, spout and handle. The body (including the sharply carinated shoulder and the neck) was beaten from a single sheet of copper alloy, and the foot collar, with its inlaid coral in place, was slipped over the bottom. The cast base was then put in place, with its edges turned up to cober the join at the sides. The beaked spout was set into a U-shaped cut-out in the body, and attached with rivets. The mouthplate was then affixed and turned over the top of the flagon, and the separatelty cast handle was also attached. The base was held in place by resin, which lines the whole of the flagon, and almost fills the poring spout. The vessel fittings are richly decorated. The handle is in the form of a dog or wolf, terminating below in a stylised human mask; two more canine figures ornament the lid. There is typical early La Tène palmette decoration under the spout, and a small duck ornaments the end of the spout.
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