Description:

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and southwestern Turkey, Caspian Sea region, Luristan culture, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A wonderful example of a Luristan bronze finial of tubular form with a finial body flanked by a pair of abstract zoomorphic creatures. The lower body exhibits a baluster-style body with a bell-shaped lower section surmounted by a tubular upper body, and a flared rim around the top provides an aesthetic separation point between the body and finial. The creatures adorning the finial are perhaps abstract mouflons, each mirrored and rearing towards one another with gaping maws, slender limbs, and streamlined bodies. The entire composition is enveloped with lustrous layers of brown and green patina that imbue the artifact with a gorgeous presentation. Size: 13.125" H (33.3 cm); custom display stand included.

Many of these standards were removed from Luristan during the 1800s and early 1900s without proper archaeological excavation; only two have been scientifically excavated. As a result, their true function is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Eli Kounig collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired 1970s

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#170407

  • Condition: Small hole in baluster base holding finial, with light abrasions and encrustations, and minor softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great green and russet patina throughout.

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March 3, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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