Exceptional Roman silver spoon with handle in the shape of a dolphin and gold inlays. The slender, moving animal with a massive body. Partly gold inlays on the fins. The bowl of the spoon is elaborately decorated with fine golden creatures: a winged Erot with raised whip rides on a triton. Below the mythical sea creatures in the waves. Masterly work from the house of an extremely wealthy Roman. Intact. Length 13.7 cm. Width 4.5 cm. Comparable pieces (dolphin handle) e.g. in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Vienne (Isére, F; inv. 84.3.17) or with gold-inlaid Triton from the Thetford Treasure.Provenance: US private collection, acquired at Haber & Associates Ancient Art, New York, in 1994 (With invoice).USA-Lot: Shipping from the USA.Condition: II