Roman, Bronze, Wine Strainer

This sheet-bronze strainer has a hemispherical pierced basin, steep sides and an everted rim. Pierced decoration is arranged in double sets of concentric rings framing an interlocking-meander pattern. The base contains a 4 petal rosette motif. The lunate handle opening derives from two swanlike birds placed back to back. Stylistic comparisons can be made with 1st century AD examples from Pompeii and Herculaneum. This strainer demonstrates the accomplished art of metal-workers. It filtered unrefined wine removing sediments and herbs, used as sweeteners.