Fine, detailed bronze cast with a dark patina. The trefoil base mounted on slender legs with lion's paw feet, curving upwards and embellished with classical tendril and palmette decoration in relief. A sphinx at the top of each leg, a narrow crosspiece emerging from its back. The high, circular drum top supported on these crosspieces and the tips of the wings. The top hung with continuous relief swag decoration, attached to bucrania. An inset, recessed copper bowl. Slight signs of age. The bronze rubbed in places. Height 92 cm, diameter 53 cm.
This design was modelled after a wood engraving by Giovanni Piranesi that was based on the bronze tripod found in the Isis Temple in Pompeii in 1760 and which is now in the Museo Nazionale in Naples.
Condition: II +