bronze bowl with dolphin motifs, symbol of affection and protection

Throughout antiquity, the dolphin was closely associated with Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty), Apollo (god of culture and healing), Poseidon (god of the sea) and Dionysos (god of wine and drama).

Aphrodite, goddess of love, passion, and beauty, was born from the sea and is frequently depicted in ancient art either riding or accompanied by dolphins. This mythological romance transforms the dolphin into a gorgeous contemporary emblem of grace, emotional depth, affection, and the beauty of love.

In the famous Hymn to Apollo, Apollo, god of light, music, and prophecy et al transformed himself into a splendid dolphin so that he could guide a ship of sailors safely to the shore near Delphi, his sanctuary, the etymology of which is connected with the dolphin - delphis. Today, this makes the dolphin a powerful modern symbol of intuition and divine guidance.

The sea, domain of Poseidon, was an integral part of ancient Greek life. Sailors would regard the dolphin as an omen of good luck and divine protection against storms (the protectors of sailors). These days, they remain the ultimate symbol of safe passage, guidance, viewed as companions as we navigate life's rough waters. Greek art and coins frequently depict dolphins leaping playfully alongside ships, embodying the freedom of the ocean. Modern symbolism includes joy, playful energy, and a carefree spirit.

A famous Greek myth linking Dionysus to the dolphin describes how, when he was on a little jaunt in the Aegean, he was hijacked by pirates who mistook him for a wealthy prince. To punish their greed, Dionysus miraculously filled the ship with creeping ivy, turned the oars into serpents, and played phantom flutes until the terrified pirates jumped overboard. As they hit the water, he transformed them into dolphins. Rather than drowning, they were reborn with a renewed philanthropy, a love for mankind which made them guide and rescue sailors! This has contributed to the dolphin's being a modern symbol of second chances, radical transformation, and redemption.

Today, they also serve as a comforting symbol of transformation, deep emotional healing, and spiritual transition.

Dolphins were often depicted in the art of the seafaring Minoans, as gentle and intelligent mammals connecting the human world with the elemental world of nature.

As a symbol of healing and protection, the serpent was associated with the cult of Asklepios, god of medicine, who is represented in ancient Greek art with his serpent entwined staff. Twin intertwining serpents were also an integral part of the kerykeion of Hermes (aka the caduceus of Mercury) the messenger god and the god of transitions.

The Greeks feared it for its tremendous powers, but it was also revered as a defender and guardian. It was a symbol of regeneration and renewal, and the Romans later regarded it as representing the spirit, or 'genius', of the family.

Hephaistos would be amazed by the craftsmanship and quality of this wonderful collection!

These superb bronze pieces are cast in Greece using the traditional lost wax method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in texture, patina, and colour. No two pieces are ever the same. If mounted, the base is of black marble.

Please note that there may be a variation of some millimetres in the dimensions of the base from time to time, and that accessories such as spears, tridents or javelins may vary in length or height! If you need precise dimensions and weight, email me!

If you need a piece to fit a very specific space, or if you want me to take a photo of a couple of pieces so you can pick the one you want, I will do so with pleasure.

Every piece is deliciously tactile.

It's All Greek is so grateful and so proud to have been working closely with the Semitekolo family foundry since 1999. It has been a privilege and a joy to handle, live with, to photograph and describe these gorgeous pieces, before passing them on to passionate and grateful customers all over the world.

If you already own one of these pieces, cherish it!