Roman Bronze Dolphin Handle or Hasp
CULTURE / REGION OF ORIGIN: Roman Empire
DATE: 1st-4th Century CE
DIMENSIONS: 8.1 cm long (3.25 in.),
2.5 cm wide at the tail (1.0 in.) DESCRIPTION: A bronze handle detached from a vessel, or hasp detached
from a chest, in the form of a swimming dolphin with undulating body. Covered with a thick light to dark green patina. The
dorsal fin and flippers are summarily indicated in relief, with a large tri-lobe tail well modeled and with incised details.
A rough break at the animal's mouth where it was once attached to additional hardware. PROVENANCE:
In a Midwestern private collection until January, 2001. COMPARISONS: Hayes, Greek, Roman, and
Related Metalwares in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, 1984, # 130 & # 140 for examples of bronze dolphin-shaped vessel
handles of the early Roman Imperial period.
Item #CA-09-100
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