A LATE ROMAN BONE AND GOLD COSMETIC SPOON. 3rd-4th Century A.D. L. 12 cm Provenance Formerly with, G. Rihani, 11.8.1990 Crafted from bone, intricately carved into the elegant form of a dolphin, with circular eyes and incised details on the fins and tail—a powerful symbol in Roman culture. Dolphins were revered as protectors of sailors and guides across the seas, often associated with the god Neptune and seen as harbingers of good fortune. The handle is masterfully sculpted, featuring a rectangular openwork section that encloses a small spherical bead, adding a touch of refined ornamentation typical of luxury items from this period. The fiddle-shaped bowl of the spoon is adorned with a finely hammered sheet of gold, perfectly contoured to its oval shape. This application of gold leaf not only enhances its aesthetic value but also indicates the social status of its owner. Additionally, the dolphin's tail is enveloped in a gold plate, terminating in a suspension ring. This suggests it may have been worn or displayed, further highlighting its status as a luxury object rather than a mere functional utensil.