Ancient labrum in Egyptian breccia

circular form, resting on a fluted white marble base; octagonal foot, 118x140 cm; weight of the basin approx. 300 kg; weight of the base approx. 150 kg.
Lot not present in the viewing

The term labrum and its diminutive labellum were used by the Romans to indicate circular basins and tubs for holding water, made in terracotta, bronze, marble, stone or porphyry, generally on a foot, for use in private baths or public thermae. Labra were also fountains, ornamental basins in private residences, vessels for lustral water, various containers and funerary urns.
Labrum derives from lavabrum, bath tub, which in the ancient Roman baths was located in the calidarium for cold water. Labra could also be hemispherical in form, flat at the bottom and curved above, differing only in depth and width. Sometimes the labrum was decorated with fluting or gadrooning, Ionic kymatia on the rim, handles with serpents, lion heads or anthropomorphic masks.