Luristan Bronze Arrows and Blades

Representing a worship scene with ritual animal offering; a priest with long beard and round headgear standing in front of an altar surmounted by a staff topped by a crescent; a sacrificial animal (goat?) on the altar; a later trilobate bronze pendant fastened through a modern loop to the seal. 10.4 grams, 67 mm



From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12331-223714.

The worshipper performing the sacrifice is a priest, wearing a brimmed, rounded headdress under which his shoulder-length hair emerges. In front of him, the staff (symbol of Nabû) is surmounted by the crescent moon.

Conical with low foot, slip-painted with chestnut brown band to the rim, three calligraphic panels to the inner face below the rim with interstitial red and black rosettes. 620 grams, 22 cm diameter



From the Steel family collection, 1950s-late 1990s.

Carved as a tongue-shaped face with flanking strap handles, hollow underside. 1.72 kg, 16 cm



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.