900-600 BC. Etruscan. Beautiful bronze bowl with out-turned rim, conical body, and flattened bottom. Rows of horizontal line decoration run around the exterior below the rim. The Etruscans were an Italic people who occupied the area of modern Tuscany and neighbouring regions in Italy in the pre-Roman period, before coming into conflict and eventually being conquered by Rome. Bowls such as this one would have been used by the Etruscans both for serving food in domestic contexts and in making offerings to the gods during ceremonial occasions. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand. Size: L:75mm / W:210mm ; 615g; Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.