Luristan Bronze Master of Animals Finial

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. An intriguing cast-bronze "master of animals" finial, a classic iconographic motif of Luristan artwork whose meaning is elusive. Created by way of the lost-wax casting process, the finial displays a pair of leonine creatures facing one another while standing on their hind legs atop a ringed platform with two lateral suspension rings. The zoomorphic bodies are highly-stylized with large, clover-shaped designs on their backs, ridged manes, large circular eyes, and gaping mouths with bared fangs and sinuous tongues. While the true meaning and use of these finials is unknown, suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or for use in funerary rituals. Covered in layers of smooth green and brown patina, this is a fabulous example from ancient Luristan! Size: 2.25" W x 5.375" H (5.7 cm x 13.7 cm).

Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York

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#132982
Condition Report: One animal reattached at base and shoulder area with light amounts of stabilizing material. One lateral suspension ring reattached. Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions as expected, slight bending to overall form, fading to some finer details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits as well as green and brown patina throughout.