Yy - Mortar

Roman Empire, late 2nd – early 3rd century A.D.

White marble with grey veining
Height: 18 cm – Diameter: 30 cm

Antique Roman mortar in white marble finely veined with grey, of circular form with a deep basin and thickened rim, featuring a lateral pouring spout. The exterior of the bowl is adorned with a continuous high-relief frieze depicting a centauromachy, the mythological battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs. The scene shows several centaurs engaged in combat with armed warriors, interspersed with two sculpted heads in low relief, each with curled hair and youthful features.

The interior of the mortar is smooth and shows ancient wear consistent with actual use.

The composition of the relief, the tension of the figures, the rendering of facial features and hair, as well as the overall quality of execution, place this piece securely in the late 2nd to early 3rd century A.D. The decoration follows the formal conventions found on centauromachy sarcophagi produced in Rome during the same period, marked by dramatic scenes and deeply modelled figures.

While the theme of the centauromachy is commonly found in Roman funerary and decorative art, its use here in a domestic object reflects the transmission of mythological iconography into the private sphere of the imperial elite.

Former Austrian private collection
Acquired on the art market at public auction

Upper rim showing ancient chips.
Reliefs in good condition with surface wear consistent with age and use.
Even, light patina.
No visible restorations.

All objects I offer for sale are available for viewing in Issy-les-Moulineaux.

For any further information or to request high-resolution photographs, please feel free to contact me at +33 (0)6 12 51 35 29.