Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, modern day Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 700 BCE. A cast bronze hollow tubular standard in the style of a "master of animals", a Janus-headed figure whose body is just the end of the elongated tube. The heads are identical, with exaggerated noses and ears and a round cap or bowl-style haircut. 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 one. The function of these finials is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious -- depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. -- to the utilitarian -- parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. Comes with custom stand. Size: .95" W x 3.55" H (2.4 cm x 9 cm); height on stand: 3.8" (9.7 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Private East Coast, USA Collection

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#121023

  • Condition: Smooth, dark green patina. Excellent detail remaining.

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April 24, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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