6th-4th century BC. A silver ladle or simpulum with large integral round loop handle, surmounted by two lions with heads facing back; to the lower end of the ribbed shaft, a lion's head devouring a duck, the duck biting the large circular bowl; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. von Bothmer, D., A Greek and Roman Treasury, New York, 1984, pp.41-42, no.59-64.380 grams total, 26.5cm including stand (10 1/2"). From a private collection, 1990s; formerly with Pierre Bergé & Associés, Archéologie, Paris, 26 May 2011, Lot 215 (16,000-18,000 euros); accompanied by copies of the relevant Pierre Bergé catalogue pages, and by a copy of an French cultural export certificate number 128955; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by IADAA certificate number no.09042020/1458. [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.]