Luristan Leaded Bronze Horse Bit
**First Time At Auction**
Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and northeastern Turkey, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A fine leaded bronze horse bit comprised of 2 linked sections with abstract cheekpieces resembling bent tree branches with large loops at the center of each flanked by a pair of annular perforations, all likely to aid in tying a horse to its reigns. The surface boasts a rich patina of seafoam green and turquoise hues, imbuing it with a gorgeous presentation, evocative of the ancient Near East. Size: 10.5" L x 8.8" W (26.7 cm x 22.4 cm)
The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased decorative items like these were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that they were mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. Their horses were their livelihood, and they seem to have ornamented them as beautifully as they ornamented themselves.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#138472
Condition Report: Expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with beautiful patina.
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**First Time At Auction**
Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and northeastern Turkey, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A fine leaded bronze horse bit comprised of 2 linked sections with abstract cheekpieces resembling bent tree branches with large loops at the center of each flanked by a pair of annular perforations, all likely to aid in tying a horse to its reigns. The surface boasts a rich patina of seafoam green and turquoise hues, imbuing it with a gorgeous presentation, evocative of the ancient Near East. Size: 10.5" L x 8.8" W (26.7 cm x 22.4 cm)
The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased decorative items like these were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that they were mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. Their horses were their livelihood, and they seem to have ornamented them as beautifully as they ornamented themselves.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#138472
Condition Report: Expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with beautiful patina.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
