Vessel in the Shape of a Bear

3rd–4th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 301

The bear was a popular animal in exhibitions and circus acts. The vessel, probably used for oils or ointments for the bath, would have
been filled through the hinged opening at the back of the bear’s neck and emptied through its mouth.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Vessel in the Shape of a Bear
Date: 3rd–4th century
Geography: Made in possibly Rome, Italy
Culture: Roman or Byzantine
Medium: Copper alloy, cast
Dimensions: Overall: 5 7/16 x 6 9/16 x 3 5/8 in. (13.8 x 16.7 x 9.2 cm)
chain length: 11 in. (28 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Edith Perry Chapman Fund, 1966
Object Number: 66.18
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

She-bear, Andrea Briosco, called Riccio Italian, Bronze, dark olive-brown patina, Italian, Padua — She-bear
Andrea Briosco, called Riccio
early 16th century

Bollard with a Fisherman, Bronze, Late Roman or Byzantine — Bollard with a Fisherman
Late Roman or Byzantine
early 5th century

Vessel in the Shape of a Fish, Copper alloy, cast, Roman or Byzantine — Vessel in the Shape of a Fish
Roman or Byzantine
4th–6th century

Bow Brooch, Silver with gold-sheet overlay and garnets, East Germanic — Bow Brooch
East Germanic
400–450

Earring, Gold, Langobardic or Byzantine (?) — Earring
Langobardic or Byzantine (?)
6th–7th century

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