Near East, Western Iran, Luristan, ca. 8th to 7th century BCE. Presenting an intricate design comprised of two confronting felines with gaping jaws and exposed fangs, each with a slender elongated body, a long arching neck with a hatched mane, twisted tails curled at the ends, and paws gripping the circular opening. Two similar examples reside in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (accession no. M.76.97.34 and M.76.97.47). These types of objects are unique to ancient Luristan and their meaning and purpose remains mysterious. Size: 5.625" H (14.3 cm); 6.875" H (17.5 cm) on stand

The signature of Luristan bronzes is the practice of elongating the necks, tails, and bodies of the animals depicted; this results in elegant forms with graceful curves. While Luristan metalwork was rediscovered in the 1930s, a paucity of historical written records has made it difficult for scholars to interpret their complex iconography. However, most believe that these figures represented or referenced local deities, and scholars argue that such elaborate bronze works were probably created for elite leaders belonging to a warrior class.

Luristan (also spelled Lorestan) literally meaning “Land of the Lurs” was located in the Zagros mountains in what is now western Iran. The sociopolitics of this area make for a complicated history, with invasions of Medes, Cimmerians and Persians, and others; however, the culture became known for masterful metalworking. The best-known bronze works depict anthropomorphic and zoomorphic subjects, as well as utilitarian items and weaponry buried with the deceased in tombs. Bronze was regarded as a precious resource.

A very similar example sold for $13,750 at Christie's New York on June 4, 2015, Sale 3748, lot 156. See http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-luristan-bronze-standard-finial-circa-9th-7th-5903880-details.aspx

Published in J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, 2011, no. 205

Cf. O. Muscarella, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, p. 145, figs. 221-224; R. Ghirshman, Persia: from the Origins to Alexander the Great, 1964, pp. 44-45, fig. 53

Provenance: English private collection; R. R. collection, Clinton, Michigan, USA; acquired from Royal Athena Galleries in 1984; exhibited Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, 1985-2007; published J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, 2011, no. 205

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#123454

Near choice if not choice, with wonderful green and russet patina commensurate with age.