Etruscan Stamnos Handle in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, June 2018

Stamnos Handle with Satyr Head Plates (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

Date: 5th-4th century BC

Culture: Etruscan

Category: Metalwork

Medium: bronze

Collection: Ancient Art

Dimensions: Overall: 6 1/4 × 5 5/8 × 2 1/2 in. (15.88 × 14.29 × 6.35 cm)

Object Number: 82.202


This handle was probably attached to a stamnos (a type of storage vessel frequently used as a cinerary urn). Lance-shaped leaves are common on such handles, usually decorated (as here) with floral motifs and head of a silenus, one of the followers of Dionysos.

Text from: www.vmfa.museum/piction/6027262-8119489