Oinochoe

Cast in bronze, this oinochoe or pitcher is elaborately decorated. A large grapevine inlaid in silver encircles the neck. Water lily and acanthus leaves and lotus buds adorn the vessel's body. A satyr's head flanked by two duck heads embellishes the upper end of the handle. The satyr wears a wreath and has silver inlaid eyes. A head of Pan serves as the lower end of the handle, the main part of which takes the form of a silver snake.

Although most vessels in precious metals have not survived, they were originally plentiful in the Greek world. Luxury items for the wealthy, vessels in gold, silver, and bronze were created in the same shapes as the ceramic vessels used for everyday household chores. The style of the decorative work on this pitcher indicates that it was made in Alexandria when Romans ruled the city. To Roman patrons, the ornate oinochoe may have signified the continuity of the opulent culture of the Hellenistic courts.