654 

Hellenistic Brazier Fragment with Dionysus Mask. 2nd-1st century B.C. A terracotta brazier fragment with a bearded mask of Dionysus in high-relief; large domed eyes with arched brows above and small snub nose between, furrowed brow and low-relief ears; lateral bilinear moulded frame; the lower face developing to a chamfered projection with beard and mouth detailing. Cf. British Museum inv. no. 1868,0405.126, excavated by Bilotti in Aegean Region. 355 grams, 11 cm (4 3/8 in.) European art market, 1990. London collection formed before 2000. Property of an Worcestershire gentleman. Examples of these masks were excavated by the British Museum archaeologists in Asia Minor (Caria), especially by Sir Charles Thomas Newton. They are mostly terracotta brazier fragments, preserved in the handle and portion of the rim; the god is represented with an ivy crown and a characteristic protruding beard. [No Reserve]

londres, United Kingdom