Solid Silver Phial, Italy, Etruscan, 7th–6th Century B.c., Pre-roman Archaeology

An exceptional solid silver phiale-style cup, crafted from a single piece using ancient techniques of hammering and stretching silver sheet.

The surface clearly preserves the traces of the artisan’s work, revealing the manufacturing process and lending the object a remarkable presence and authenticity. The uniformity of the shape, achieved without any joints, demonstrates a perfect mastery of metal forming.

This type of cup belongs to the precious tableware used in ancient banquets, an essential practice in pre-Roman Italian societies. The banquet was far more than a simple meal: it was an occasion for socializing, self-presentation, and the affirmation of status. Precious vessels played a special role in this context, particularly in the serving and consumption of beverages. The phiale could also be used in ritual practices and libations, during which a portion of a beverage was offered to the deities or guardian spirits. The line between ceremonial use and banquet use could thus be particularly blurred in ancient societies.

In terms of its material, manufacturing technique, and shape, this piece attests to the refinement of metal tableware produced in central Italy during the pre-Roman period, most likely within an Etruscan context.

Dimensions: 4.8 cm high; 13.5 cm in diameter.
Weight: 97 grams.

The piece is in excellent condition given its exceptional age. It is complete, with no missing parts, which is particularly remarkable for a precious metal object over 2,500 years old. A few ancient traces of oxidation are visible on the surface, attesting to its age and material history.

Provenance: former Burgundian collection, dispersed at auction.

An object of great rarity on the market, both for its age and for its material, manufacturing technique, and excellent condition.

Price does not include shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A232

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