Handle of a Vessel

At the base of this bronze handle a pair of satyrs, hybrid creatures combining human traits with those of horses or goats, support an enormous kantharos (two-handled drinking cup) while balancing above a large palmette. They mirror one another across the kantharos, striking the same pose, despite its different orientation with respect to the viewer: the satyr on the right is turned so that his back faces toward the viewer, while the one on the right is shown in frontal perspective, exposing his chest and erect phallus. The handle itself appears to grow out of the kantharos. A double volute rises out of its mouth to form the base of the shaft, and the palmettes and volutes at the top of the handle continue the organic theme.

The imagery, associated with the wine-god Dionysos, suggests this handle once decorated a vessel used to serve wine, perhaps an amphora or krater. Dionysos is often pictured holding a kantharos and is frequently accompanied in his revelry by satyrs. The repeated floral elements, evoking a sense of organic growth, may reflect Dionysos’ additional role as god of the vine, vegetation, and rebirth.