Candelabrum

This bronze is a candelabrum, or ancient lamp stand. A long, fluted column extends from a base on lion or panther paw feet, with ivy leaves between. Atop the column sits a miniature bronze krater, a mixing vessel for wine, with a circular top which supports a separately made lamp. Wealthy Romans would light their homes with bronze oil lamps. The small, portable lamps would be placed on lampstands like this one to light larger spaces.