Luristan Bronze Animal

Rectangular plaque with slightly flared ends, raised border and mounting hole to each corner; crenellation to inner edge of upper border; twelve lines of dense inscription in raised relief, reading in translation: 'Yin'am and his brother, along with their sons, the Banu Rasham, have dedicated this to their god LBNH, the bull of M'RBN, in his sanctuary at Sim'ân. This inscription is a divine ordinance that he has commanded for them on his property, for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of all they have acquired and will acquire. May LBNH increase their prosperity, favour, health, and strength, and may evil, wrong, ill-will, injustice, WTRKS, and 'W/'F of enemies, both far and near, be kept away from them.' 13.4 kg total, 29 cm including stand



German private collection, acquired in 1980. with Christie’s, New York, 4 June 2008, no.93. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12416-225770.

Sheet gold drum-shaped body with domed lower face, two rows of repoussé pellets, short loop. 3.1 grams, 23 mm



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Carved in the half-round, a bull with the legs folded beneath the body and head turned backwards. 21.56 grams, 49 mm



Acquired in the 1980s. From the collection of a London antiquarian.