Ancient Marble Hand Holding a Phiale. Roman circa 1st–2nd Century A.D.

Ancient Marble Hand Holding a Phiale.

Roman, circa 1st–2nd Century A.D.

Measurements: 22 × 11 × 6 cm.

A finely carved fragment of a marble hand, depicted in naturalistic detail with slender fingers gently supporting a shallow phiale (libation bowl). The composition captures the graceful curvature of the wrist and the subtle articulation of the knuckles, conveying both anatomical accuracy and refined craftsmanship. The phiale is rendered with a pronounced central boss (omphalos), its smooth surface contrasting with the delicate modelling of the hand.

Such imagery is closely associated with ritual practice in Roman religion, where the phiale was used for pouring libations during acts of devotion to the gods. This fragment would originally have formed part of a larger figural statue, likely representing a deity, priest, or personification engaged in an act of offering. The preservation of the hand and vessel allows for a vivid sense of the statue’s original narrative and ceremonial context.

Mounted on a modern metal display stand.

Provenance: Private English Collection.