Bronze Flagons
Basse-Yutz, France.
Basse-Yutz, Moselle.
Location on map.
Two bronze flagons were found together with two imported bronze stamnoi during road
construction in 1927. The precise find circumstances remain uncertain; the vessels may
possibly have formed part of a (cremation?) burial, an ancient hoard, or a secondary
deposit. The vessels evince traces of use, relining and repair. In addition, they have
undergone modern museum restoration. The remarkable find and the four bronze vessels,
including technical explanations and full bibliography, were exhaustively published in
1990 by Vincent
and Ruth Megaw.
Flagons:
Bronze, coral and "enamel."
La Tène A; ca. 400 B.C.E.
Flagon 1: Height: 39.65 cm.
British Museum 1929.5-11.1.
Both Flagons
Flagon 1: Height: 39.65 cm.
Flagon 2: Height: 40.6 cm (restored).
British Museum 1929.5-11.2.
Cast and inlaid Handle
note stylized human head at base
Details:
exquisitely detailed fantasy creatures composed of curvilinear geometric elements; not pictured: duck on spout
Top of Flagon with lid.
Animal on lip.
Throat of Flagon
Polychrome ornament fields and bands demonstrate a delight in contrasting sculptural textures, materials and colors.
Throat of Flagon
after Megaw 1970 Pl. III
View of pattern below spout . Coral inlay portions contrast sharply with surrounding bronze. Complex, simulated weave pattern is bracketed by curvilinear floral forms continued up spout in incisied technique.
Detail of lower handle attachment with
stylized human features.
after Megaw 1970 Pl. III
Base of Flagon.
Geometric segments are arranged to form
complex interlacing patterns. The color of
the bronze and its reflectivity are contrasted
with coral and enamel inlay.
After Megaw 1990
