Greek Silver Vase Handle in the Shape of a Winged Bull

The upper extremity of the handle is a bull’s head with two small horns turned backward as the bull rears forward. Its forelegs are bent close to breast. It wears a short mantle from which multi-feathered wings fan out, covering the back up to the buttocks.

h. 10.3 cm

5th century BC

Silver

Provenance

Ex-French private collection, acquired in the 1970’s
Acquired from Choppin de Janvry
Acquried at Pierre Bergé & Associés, Paris, lot 214

Publications

C. Dauphin, Animals in the Ancient World. The Levett Bestiary, Levett Collection Series 2, France, 2014, pp. 46 and 90
C. Dauphin, Les animaux dans le monde antique. Le bestiaire Levett, Serie Collection Levett 2, France, 2016, p. 23, fig. 20 and p. 80

Exhibitions

Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM), Mougins, France, from June 2011
Animal, Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM), Mougins, France, February 26, 2016 — June 19, 2016
Dragons et animaux fantastiques, Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires de Draguignan, Draguignan, France, May 16, 2025 — August 31, 2025

N.B. Our online collection is being continually updated thanks to ongoing research and documentation efforts carried out by The Levett Collection - FAMM documentation team. Any additional information is welcome, please contact us.