Lot 83D
Western Asia, Luristan; Roman Empire; Byzantine Frontier; Medieval Europe, ca. 10th century BCE to 15th century CE. A remarkable lot of seven ancient and medieval metal objects, spanning from the Iranian plateau of the early Iron Age through the classical Roman world and into the high Middle Ages of Europe. Together, they form a miniature survey of metallurgical traditions and daily life across more than a millennium. The earliest piece is a copper ladle from Luristan, its broad bowl paired with a long twisted handle terminating in a loop, a hallmark of the inventive bronze craftsmanship of the Iranian highlands. Size of largest (spoon with twisted handle): 9.7" L x 2.3" W (24.6 cm x 5.8 cm)
From the Roman Empire come three contrasting implements: a bronze hairpin surmounted by a finely cast bird finial, used to secure elaborate coiffures in the 2nd to 3rd centuries CE; a delicate silver cochlear spoon with a slender needle-like handle and miniature bowl, perfectly suited for eggs, oysters, and sauces at the Roman table; and a curved ribbed bronze fragment, either the handle of a jug or situla or possibly the bow of a large fibula, its swelling ridges typical of Roman cast vessel fittings.
Bridging late antiquity is an iron pin tipped with an abstract bronze finial, its mirrored scroll pattern evoking the decorative vocabulary of the late Roman to early Byzantine frontier, ca. 3rd to 6th century CE. Medieval Europe contributes a hinged belt clasp of latten with an incised plate and D-shaped loop, a functional and ornamented fastening in use from the 13th to 15th century. Completing the group is a diminutive bronze dancing figure from Western Asia, ca. 10th to 7th century BCE, its outflung limbs reduced to a lively silhouette. Cast in a high-tin leaded bronze alloy, it echoes the votive traditions of Luristan and related highland cultures. Together these artifacts illustrate the remarkable continuity of metalworking skill and symbolic expression, from ritual offerings and personal adornment to dining utensils and medieval dress accessories.
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
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#197222
- Condition: Handle is a fragment of a larger piece; others are intact. Weathering and surface wear throughout as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, all have a nice presentation with rich patinas.
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|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |