A ROMAN MARBLE CINERARY VASE, 1ST CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Marble Cinerary Vase

with splayed foot, the body carved in front with a rectangular panel of inscription left blank above two confronted griffins flanking a candelabrum, on each side with a mask of bearded Dionysos crowned with a wreath of ivy leaves and berries, and on the back with a sprig of ivy growing from a calyx of acanthus radiating from the splayed foot, the domed lid decorated with radiating overlapping leaves and surmounted by a lion devouring its prey; the lion's hindquarters restored.

European private collection, 18th Century (based on restoration techniques)
probably Daniel Gurney, FSA, archaeologist and banker (1791-1880), North Runcton Hall, Norfolk
by descent to his son, Sir Somerville Gurney (1837-1917)
to his daughter Mabel Gurney, Lady Curtis  who married Sir William Curtis, 4th Bt. (1859-1916)
certainly ​Constance Mabel Curtis (d.1953), their daughter, who married Lionel Harrisson
by descent to her grand daughter, the present owner

Lion's hindquarters restored. Minor chips and abrasions overall. Several stable stress cracks radiating over lower body in back and extending below one Dionysos head. A Small loss above acanthus leaves filled with plaster in back. Surface slightly worn, more so on lid. Object spent a long time in a garden exposed to elements. Pre-cleaning photographs showing lichens and other growth are available upon request.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For related lion finials on cinerary urns in the Archaeological Museum in Aquileia see V. Santa Maria Scrinari, Museo archeologico di Aquileia. Catalogo delle sculture romane, 1972, nos. 315, 316, and 319-321, all dated in the 1st Century A.D.