London, Italy
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22 aprile 2022 ore 12:00 CEST (11:00 BST)
The auction has ended
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LOT 67:
ROMAN ALABASTER LABRUM
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Sold for: £95,000
Start price:
£
50,000
Buyer's Premium: 26%
More details
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ROMAN ALABASTER LABRUM
1st - 2nd centuries AD
diam. cm 108; height cm 22
A labrum is a large circular basin for cold water in the caldarium or hot room of a Roman bath complex; they were made of marble in order to maintain a cool water temperature. This specimen was carved from a single block of precious Egyptian "Cotognino" Alabaster. The flattened lip has the traces of three rectangular recesses for the insertion of metal clamps; on the outer edge of the hemispherical tub, is a rectangular recess "L" shaped, sculpted for the insertion of an additional metal clamp. On the bottom, presumably in a later period were engraved the letters BR. The condition of the present example indicates wear from water over a significant length of time; one restoration is on the lip. Close comparisons of "Forma II" shape specimens in A. Ambrogi, "Labra di età Romana in marmi Bianchi e colorati", Roma 2005, pp. 75-79.
Exhibited. Biennial of Art of Rome, 2014; TEFAF, Maastricht, 2015.
Provenance. Italian private collection, changes of ownership documented since 1980; currently in Milan and provided with export license.
