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bronze decorated bowl with turtle-doves
£295.00
This exquisite, finely decorated, elegant bronze bowl is inspired by the 'Mosaic of the Doves' in the Capitoline Museum. The mosaic, attributed to Sosos, depicts a bird bath, and dates to the 2nd C BCE. The feet finials are in the shape of a serpent, symbol of healing. Diameter of bowl: 17cm
Height (not including birds): 7cm
The birds are detachable and can be placed in any direction!
Read more below about:
the symbolism of the turtle-dove
the symbolism of the serpent
It's All Greek's bronze collection
quantity
about the turtle-dove
Turtle-doves, which the Greeks call 'peristeri', were, in Greek mythology, the birds of love, sacred to the goddess Aphrodite. Doves were said to draw her heavenly chariot, and her seven daughters, the Pleiades, are known as the 'flock of doves'.
The bird was also sacred to Demeter, the goddess of the fertility of the earth.
There is also our familiar reference to the dove with an olive branch, representing Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace and harmony.
Way before Aphrodite's time, birds—specifically doves—were popular and significant motifs in Cycladic sculpture ca 2700–2300 BCE. Just like the minimalist, abstract human figurines, these stylised birds were sculpted from local white marble, with no facial features, wings, beaks or claws. It seems likely that to these inhabitants of the Cyclades, the dove was a symbol of fertility, life, and rebirth. In subsequent centuries, the dove became permanently associated with Aphrodite.
about the snake and serpent
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.
about the bronzes in this collection
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!