Description:

Iran, Luristan, ca. 1500 BCE. This bronze axe head, created by lost wax casting, has excellent detail. It would most likely have been a votive or grave good deposit, rather than used in combat. It has several flourishes that would have made it impractical as a true weapon. The Luristan region of western Iran was home to a long tradition of metalworking. This style can be dated by its simplicity; later examples have more flourishes and animal decorations on them. When this particular piece was made the metalworkers of the region were still under tight control of the Kingdom of Elam, who regulated their work. Tombs in Luristan for men of all ages and statuses contained bronze weaponry. In the 1920s, many of these graves were plundered and the bronze objects within became hugely popular in Europe, although at the time they were often attributed to "Mesopotamia". There are similar pieces in the National Museum of Iran and the British Museum. Size: 8-1/4" x 2-1/4" x 1". Provenance: Ex-private York, UK collection acquired on the British art market before 2000. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #109560

  • Condition: Intact with expected wear and patina, some dirt remaining, otherwise excellent.

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September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000