Handle with the Figure of a Seated Comic Actor

A seated comic actor decorates the end of this bronze handle. The handle itself takes the form of a bundle of leaves that are lushly rendered, even down to the incised veins. A rectangular pedestal tops these leaves and supports the actor. He sits on a folding stool with his legs crossed, resting his head in one hand. He lifts one hand to his mouth in the standard plotting gesture from Roman comedy. Both his mask and pose identify him as a slave.This object belongs to a class of small handles decorated with comical or risqué themes, often connected with various forms of entertainment. They are found all over the ancient world from Hellenistic into Roman times. No complete examples have been found, but suggestions include knife, razor or plectrum handles.