The Great Dish
Also known as the Oceanus
Dish
This is one of the finest
examples of late Roman silver ever to have been found and it is probably the
most famous. The dish is 60.5cm in
diameter and the original weighs 8.256Kg (over 18lb).
The
central feature is probably the face of Oceanus. He has a beard of seaweed and
four dolphins can be seen emerging from his hair. The inner frieze depicts a sea
revel of sea nymphs riding a variety of mythical sea creatures.
The broad outer frieze
shows a wild revel. Bacchus is
holding a bunch of grapes and a thyrsus. The
mighty Hercules has been overcome by an excess of wine and is supported by two
young satyrs. Silenus
is handing more wine to Bacchus whilst Pan and a group of satyrs and
Maenads continue their frenzied dance.
Sponsored
by the Mildenhall Charity Shop.
Click here or on picture to return.