Artwork Page for Oil Ampulla in the Form of a Dancing Bear

Details / Information for Oil Ampulla in the Form of a Dancing Bear

Oil Ampulla in the Form of a Dancing Bear

200s CE
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 14.6 x 10.4 x 9.5 cm (5 3/4 x 4 1/8 x 3 3/4 in.)
Public Domain
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Location
103 Roman
?

Did You Know?

This ampulla was likely used to carry oil to the baths in antiquity.

Description

This bronze bear sits on its hindquarters with its front paws raised, head slightly turned left, and mouth gaping open. It wears a collar around its neck with two rings on either side, where a chain would be passed through to suspend the ampulla. The bear’s head is hinged at the back of the collar to open the vessel, with the lower jaw forming a spout. The eyes were once pierced to prevent an airlock within the ampulla. Bears, like many other animals in antiquity, were used as a form of entertainment, demonstrated here by the bear’s “dancing” pose.
A mottled green and dark brown bronze sculpture depicts a bear sitting on its hind legs, its head tilted back and to the right, its mouth forming a gaping circular opening. One front limb is raised, and a thick collar with a ring on each side wraps around its neck. The surface is heavily textured and pitted with a weathered patina. A small hole is visible near the base of the animal.

Oil Ampulla in the Form of a Dancing Bear

200s CE

Italy, Roman

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