Large Luristan Bronze Bowl

With short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge. 460 grams, 15.2 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen for the Elamite warriors using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core to form the socket for the shaft was inserted. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.

A bifacial sceptre head formed as a Master of Animals atop a collared tubular stem with flared foot; slender crescentic arms to the sides, ribbed collars and janiform faces; waisted socket below; mounted on a custom-made stand. 141 grams, 17.7 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This type of standards (columnar figures) has a tubular shape, the tubular body shaped like a human figure with a pronounced height, front and back side of the body and head, with arms placed in several specific positions. In numerous cases the shoulders (or less frequently the chest) of this figure are complemented by a pair of animal protomes. Based on the indicated element, this type has been divided into two basic subtypes - 'columnar figurines with protomes' and 'columnar figurines without protomes' (our specimen).

Conical body with ribbed collar and loop, raised plaque to the underside with incuse image of winged figure, possibly Abraxas. 6.8 grams, 16 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.