Very Large West Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal Matrix with Stepped Cross

A matching pair of penannular armbands, each with a round-section body and dragon-head terminals, one terminal on each band separately made; the dragons with ring-and-dot eyes and linear decoration, slit mouths and flaring nostrils. 1.19 kg total, 13-13.1 cm



Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London.

Bronze armbands of this scale and quality are characteristic of Luristan, an important centre of metal production in western Iran during the early 1st millennium B.C. The region is renowned for its distinctive cast bronzes, including weapons, horse trappings, and items of personal adornment, often decorated with powerful animal imagery. The dragon, with its elongated body and open jaws, was a common motif in Luristan art, symbolising strength, protection, and the supernatural. Armbands with dragon-head terminals likely carried an apotropaic function, serving both as impressive ornaments and as protective charms for the wearer. Monumental examples such as this pair are rare survivals, attesting to the high status of their original owner and the extraordinary skill of Luristan bronze workers.

Fusiform in profile with transverse ribbing to the front and vertical slot, beast-head finial, loop handle and five holes to the reverse. 512 grams, 27.2 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Comprising a bulbous body with circumferential bands, undercut at the neck with everted rectangular-section rim to the mouth, disc base with rectangular socket. 616 grams, 11.3 cm wide



Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s.