Lot 47
Central Asia, Iran or Turkey, ca. 9th century BCE. Important and rare bronze quiver. From the height of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the quiver cover features deeply incised and repoussé decoration. The rectangular bronze panel is bordered with dotted framing and lotus bud motifs, enclosing two repeated narrative scenes. Each portrays a dynamic combat scene between two lions and a warrior, rendered with remarkable vitality and muscular tension a vivid expression of royal ideology and martial valor. Along the entire border are a series of rivet holes, of which the rivets would have held this securely to a leather quiver. Size: 6.25" W x 25" H (15.9 cm x 63.5 cm); 26.5" H (67.3 cm) on included custom Lucite base.
The quiver's form and iconography suggest it once adorned the back of an elite archer or royal guard, serving both a protective and symbolic function. The craftsmanship evident in the crisp detail of musculature and weaponry speaks to the advanced metalworking techniques of imperial Assyrian workshops. Likely produced in a court workshop at Nimrud or Nineveh, this piece reflects the militarized aesthetic of Assyrian statecraft, where lions often symbolized chaos and the king's domination of nature and enemies alike.
This item has been examined using XRF analysis. The results show the metal composition is consistent with bronzes from this time period.
For a lot of two small fragmentary quiver panels, see Christies, April 2022, lot 49 which hammered at $6048 including buyer's [remium.
Provenance: private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection
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#194891
- Condition: Losses, creases and folds as shown but incredibly rare with deep olive-green and brown patina.
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| 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 |