Lot 201
Ancient Near East, Persia, Luristan, Bronze Age, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A Luristan bronze axe head with a dramatically flaring blade and a deep socketed haft, its surface now alive with rich green patina and scattered islands of red cuprite. Cast with a long, tapering profile, the form balances elegant geometry with brute practicality - a weapon that reads like pure silhouette. The blade widens into a broad crescent, while the socket end is cut with a pronounced U-shaped opening for the wooden handle, the junction thickened for strength. Along the edges, the bronze has softened with age, and the mottled mineralization creates a natural, almost painterly skin that underscores the object's antiquity. Size: 6.3" L x 2.8" W (16 cm x 7.1 cm)
Axes of this type are among the most recognizable bronzes associated with Luristan, a mountainous region famed for its sophisticated metalwork. Whether intended for warfare, display, or as a prestige object deposited in ritual contexts, the piece carries the unmistakable authority of early Iranian bronze production - spare, purposeful, and enduring.
Provenance: private London, United Kingdom collection; ex- UK Art Gallery, 2010s; ex- Antiques Art Market, 1979; ex-Heyward Cutting collection, United Kingdom, assembled 1970s to 1990s
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.
Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. 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.
#200955
- Condition: Some small chips to blade as well as some nicks and abrasions to surface, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% 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 |