Description:

Western Iran, Luristan, ca.1st millennium BCE. The area of Luristan was a center of a rich bronze work tradition in the early part of the first millennium BCE. This intricately cast standard finial was intended to sit atop a ceremonial staff to be carried in a procession. The bell-shaped socket at the lower end was designed for attachment. The finial features a stylized rendering of the Master of Animals, a deity that was regarded as ancient even when this piece was created and probably had origins in Stone Age hunters' cults, on both sides. The figure has a body with three faces along its length. With its slender arms it fends off two serpent-like creatures. The lowest part of the figure has an exaggerated wide torso and stands on a pair of rather short, bowed legs. Comes with lucite stand. Piece itself measures 13-3/4"H (35 cm). Provenance: Ex-Dr. Charles Smithen collection, Ex-private Palm Beach, Florida collection. 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. #102546

  • Condition: Aged patina and bit of wear. Intact and excellent.

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March 19, 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