ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 19 mm, 5.00 g). ...IOV Krater decorated with three theater masks. Rev. Blank. Cf. Gülbay & Kireç 255-6 and Vossen col. 82 (a vessel decorated with two masks). An unusual and attractive design. Very fine.


This design of a krater decorated with masks is borrowed from Roman gem engraving. Many variants exist in various styles, sometimes with just two masks beneath the krater's handles, sometimes with three or four in total (Cf. AGD München 3, 2351, AG Wien 2060; Maaskant-Kleibrink 574).