Ca. 300-400 AD. A terra sigillata lagynos boasting a flattened and wide lower body with a sharp carination and a prominent, projecting midsection that forms a cylindrical neck adorned with a finely rendered relief face of Bacchus, the god of wine. The inclusion of his visage on this vessel speaks to the importance of wine in Roman culture, and the reverence with which Bacchus was held as a deity. The neck is elegantly connected to the shoulder via a strap handle with ribbed features, which adds both aesthetic and functional value to the piece. The sloped and broad shoulder of the lagynos is adorned with intricate and delicate vine tendrils, each with beautifully rendered leaves. The vessel rests on a low ring foot that is decorated with an intricate design of twenty radiating petals, which form a striking rosette pattern. In the Roman world, the lagynos was a type of vessel that was commonly used for storing and pouring liquids, such as wine or olive oil. Its flattened and wide lower body made it stable and practical for everyday use, while its elegant design and intricate decoration made it a highly prized object.Size: L:180mm / W:165mm ; 610gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.