Asa, Rome, 1st century A.D.

Handle, Rome, 1st century A.D.
Bronze.
Measurements: 10 x 3 cm.
Weight: 265 g.
A Roman-era bronze handle, dating to the 1st century A.D. This piece may have belonged to a jug or oil lamp and depicts the heads of two horses, rendered in a style associated with High Imperial art. The handle has a D-shaped cross-section and is decorated with incised chevron patterns (V-shaped incisions arranged in a compass-like pattern). The heads of both horses are adorned with harnesses. This is a rare design, as it is uncommon to find this type of animal depicted in pairs for decorative purposes. It comes from an important collection of Spanish archaeology.