A Monumental Venetian Copper Cistern or Wine Cooler

Hammered, raised and repoussé copper, the deep melon-lobed body joined at the rear by a vertical seam, the broad rim engraved with a continuous frieze of full-petalled rosettes between chevron and punch borders. Applied to each side is a boldly modelled Renaissance lion mask, naturalistically chased, gripping a heavy twisted ring handle of forged section.
Retaining its original removable lead–tin liner, dropped beneath the rim and shaped to the internal profile; a highly desirable survival confirming its function as a wine or bottle cooler for the credenza of a patrician household. The surface untouched, with deep black-brown Renaissance oxidation and traces of earlier tinning to the interior wall.
Function
Used to chill bottles and flasks in ice or cold water; the removable liner prevented verdigris transfer and allowed the vessel to be emptied discreetly after service.