4th-2nd century BC. A silver-gilt Hellenistic strainer comprising a shallow bowl with concentric ribbed rim, central strainer and two triangular ledge handles with lateral scrolls and recurved tendril finials; parcel-gilt cross to the centre of the strainer bowl, pointillé detailing with gilding to the ledge handles. For similar examples and a general discussion of type, cf. Reeder, Ellen D., Hellenistic Art in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, 1988, p.125, no.130; A Passion for Antiquities, Ancient Art from the collection of Barbera and Lawrence Fleischman, The J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1994, pp.77-78, no.31D; and The Search for Alexander, exhibition catalogue, 1980, p.167, no.130. 151 grams, 21.8cm (8 1/2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Elaborate silver strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occassions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering an individual's wine cup. This and other silver related utensils became popular from the later 4th and 3rd century BC. Very fine condition.