Lot 104A
Central Asia, Persia, Ghaznavid Empire, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A fine arsenical copper mace head of the finest preservation with a socketing shaft, radiating spikes, and evidence of actual use! Dating to an early period of Islamic Conquest, the mace features classic arabesque floral engravings throughout and a deliberate two-toned surface hue - due to casting from arsenical copper, then surface-enriched with additional arsenic to create the bi-color effect that was originally a gold hue transitioning to red at the non-treated copper base. This mace head is of exceptional weight for its size, and most certainly was employed by a high-ranking military cavalry commander or nobleman of elite social class - as elaborate maces like this were most often used as visual symbols of rank to command soldiers in the chaos of battle. The radiating protrusions even show evidence of actual combat use with one slightly bent over to one side and one tip dented from impacting the hard armor of an enemy! Size: 3.5" L x 2.5" W (8.9 cm x 6.4 cm)
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor’s location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: ex-private German collection, acquired on the Munich art market in the early 1980s
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#172853
- Condition: Complete. No repair or restoration.
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| $200,000 + | $20,000 |