Key Handle

Art Historical Context

This exquisite copper alloy key handle, from the 1st to 7th century, exemplifies the refined metalworking of the Roman world. Measuring just under 3 inches long, its compact form suggests it adorned a practical door or chest key, transforming an everyday tool into a tactile work of art. The tag "Hands" hints at anthropomorphic design, likely featuring sculpted hands that invited the user to grasp them intimately, blending functionality with subtle human expression. Crafted during the expansive Roman Empire and into late antiquity, this object reflects a culture where keys symbolized authority...