Warwick Vase

The vase was found in the silt of a marshy pond at the low point of the villa's extensive grounds, where Hamilton had obtained excavation rights and proceeded to drain the area.

Piranesi made two etchings of the vase as completed, dedicated to Sir William, which were included in his 1778 publication, Vasi, candelabri, cippi..."[7] which secured its reputation and should have added to its market desirability.

Sir William apparently hoped to sell it to the British Museum, which had purchased his collection of "Etruscan" vases:[8] "Keep it I cannot, as I shall never have a house big enough for it", he wrote.

Reduced versions in cast-iron continue to be manufactured as garden ornaments, and in these ways the Warwick Vase took up a place in the visual repertory of classical design.

Bought by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Warwick Vase was declared an object of national importance, and an export license was delayed.