279 - Biconical bowl. Ancient Greece, Geometric Period (ca. 800–600 B.C.).

Biconical bowl. Ancient Greece, Geometric Period (ca. 800–600 B.C.). Bronze. Measurements: 4.5 x 2.5 cm; 6.5 cm (height including base). Provenance: Family legacy of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Archaeological collection formed from the 1950s by successive generations of the family, through acquisitions in European galleries and auction houses. A small bronze vessel with a distinctly biconical body, a narrow neck, and a flared rim, designed with a clear emphasis on balance and symmetry. The profile, characterized by contrasting volumes, is defined by a pronounced central inflection and is completed by a circular base and rim, giving it a particularly well-defined silhouette despite its small size. The surface retains an antique-looking bluish-green patina, with areas of oxidation and deposits typical of its long-term preservation. The decoration is concentrated on the body in the form of incised circular motifs and small elements in relief—an ornamental technique that reflects the taste for repetition, geometrization, and abstraction characteristic of Greek metalwork from this period. Small bronze objects played a prominent role in the material culture of the Geometric Greek world, especially in funerary and votive contexts. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens specifically highlights the importance of bronze production during this period, characterized by formal austerity, stylization, and clear contours.