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large bronze griffin protome, symbol of wealth and prosperity
£250.00
This lovely, finely-detailed bronze griffin with elegant serpentine neck extending from an oval collar, has an open beak and long pointed ears, with a ball and spike 'crest' adorning his brow. You can visit the original of this piece, dating to the 7thC BCE, in the museum at Olympia in the Western Peloponnese.
Height including his marble base: 28cm
A protome is the term for the decorative motif found on the handles of tripods or cauldrons, in the form of horses, griffins, or ibex.
Read more below about:
the significance of the griffin
It's All Greek's bronze collection
quantity
the significance of the griffin
Symbol of wealth and prosperity and guardians of prized possessions, the mythical hybrid griffin had powerful wings, the body of a lion and the beak of an eagle.
Griffins were sacred to Apollo, whose treasure they guarded. They are also associated with Dionysos, as the guardians of his ever-flowing supply of wine.
Bronze cauldrons set on tripods were among the most spectacular votive gifts dedicated in Greek sanctuaries from the eighth to the sixth centuries BCE. A cast bronze griffin head, called a protome, often formed part of the decoration of these cauldrons.
Over six hundred such bronze griffin heads are on display in museums all over the world. Many have been found at the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia and at that of Hera on Samos.
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!