Description:

Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A striking bronze battle axe head of rare form with a flat, curved blade, a prominent midrib which splits to form 3 branches as it approached the blade, and an ovoid socket. Ancient Luristan was a series of parallel fertile valleys in northwestern Iran in the Zagros Mountains. The level of artistry displayed in their bronze work is much finer and more ornate than any of their contemporaries. This is all the more remarkable considering that there is a lack of native copper ores in that region, so Luristan must have been part of a wide trading network -- and indeed, we know that they had contacts with the Kingdom of Elam, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia. Size: 6.6" L x 2.1" W x 2.4" H (16.8 cm x 5.3 cm x 6.1 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection; ex-Apollo Pax Romana Auctions, London, UK, June 21, 2020, lot 23

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#182916

  • Condition: Softening to blade with some chipping in areas. Nicks and abrasions commensurate with age as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with beautiful patina throughout.

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December 7, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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