5th-4th century BC. A substantial bronze cauldron handle formed as a round-section bar with ribbing to the outer face, central gussets and ring; each finial a hand placed palm-down with vein detailing, slender fingers with fingernails; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Haynes, S., Etruscan Civilization. A Cultural History, London, 2000, for discussion of type.617 grams total, 20cm including stand (8"). Property of a London gentleman; previously from a French private collection, 1980s. Etruscan culture associated the labour of females with the production of food and textiles, as well as tending the hearth which made cooking and other activities possible. It is likely that the slender hands in their caressing pose are intended to demonstrate the female role in cooking and in serving the food. [No Reserve]