Lot 107A
Ancient Persia, Amlash Culture, Iron Age, ca. 12th to 9th century BCE. A dynamic and expressive cast bronze sculpture of a wild boar, this zoomorphic figure hails from the Amlash culture of northwestern Iran. The creature is powerfully modeled, with a hulking frame and arched back, its head thrust forward in a prowling stance. A prominent snout, small pointed ears, and curved tusks clearly identify it as a boar, while the ridged mane running down the spine and a curled, stubby tail underscore its feral vitality. Hollow cast with a large cavity in the underside - a characteristic feature of Amlash bronzes - the figure was likely created using the lost-wax method. The body is robust yet abstracted, the legs rendered thick and sturdy to support the exaggerated proportions of the torso and head. Its expressive posture suggests both movement and menace, as if caught mid-stride through a dense thicket. Size: 3.1" L x 1.6" W x 1.8" H (7.9 cm x 4.1 cm x 4.6 cm)
The mottled green and earthen patina across the surface speaks to centuries of burial, oxidation, and ritual handling. Bronze animal figures like this one were often deposited in tombs or shrines, possibly as offerings or protective talismans. The boar, with its associations to ferocity, wildness, and tenacity, may have held spiritual or symbolic significance in Amlash funerary beliefs. Compact but charged with energy, this bronze boar exemplifies the stylized yet forceful aesthetic of early Iranian animal sculpture, evoking both myth and wilderness.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195381
- Condition: Weathering to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina and light earthen deposits in areas.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |