Description:

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A cast bronze tubular finial which at one time topped a "master of animals" standard. The top boasts an abstract janiform human face with perky ears, prominent nose, and ovoid eyes, the head capped with a fluted hemispherical helmet, and the body with a flared base and several small ringlets. The entire composition exhibits lustrous brown, green, and russet patina. This is a class of artifact found throughout the region of ancient Luristan, sometimes depicting the human figures holding stylized leonine animals and sometimes alone, like this example. The function of these finials is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. Size: 0.9" W x 4.3" H (2.3 cm x 10.9 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137181

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and chipping to patina on body and faces, with softening to some finer facial details, and light encrustations within interior, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits as well as great green, brown, and russet patina throughout.

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May 9, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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