Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan culture, ca. 9th to 7th century BCE. A slender cast-bronze beaker with a mammiform base, smooth walls which taper slightly, a deep interior cavity, and a gently-flared rim. The walls of the vessel boast a pair of highly-stylized winged bulls in low relief with intertwining tails. The slender-bodied animals are facing in opposite directions and their downcast heads present enormous curved horns and finely delineated facial features. Note the remarkable attention to detail: the plumage of their wings, their hairy coats, and the botanical form between their front legs - as well as the mammiform base adorned by a rosette, a band of tongues above and below, a band of guilloche below the rim. Further contributing to the appeal of this piece are layers of verdant green and russet patina. Simply a fabulous example replete with expert craftsmanship and sophisticated presentation. Size: 5.75" H (14.6 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.

The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased decorative items like these were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that they were mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. Their horses were their livelihood, and we know from scholarship and surviving artifacts that these peoples ornamented their noble steeds as beautifully as they ornamented themselves.

A similar example hammered for $11,250 at Christie's, New York Antiquities Auction (Sale 3748, June 4, 2015, lot 128): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/ancient-art-antiquities/a-luristan-bronze-beaker-circa-9th-7th-century-5903852-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5903852&sid=a3c7f777-8035-4b3e-aa99-e35ff7648017

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140745

Repaired from about 20 pieces, but well done. Minor surface wear, but the relief imagery with incised details is still very vivid. Gorgeous green and russet patina!