WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE SPOUTED VESSEL WITH SERPENTS

c. 1200 to 800 BC. Western Asiatic, Luristan culture. Bronze vessel with tapering neck, slightly globular body, flat based and elongated, beak-like spout. The body is decorated with an engraved intertwined serpent motif with carefully incised scales and well-defined features. This gorgeous piece attests to the highly skilled craftsmanship of ancient Western Asia, where artisans worked to create intricate tablewares for use in elaborate banquets. Banqueting was a major part of aristocratic culture in antiquity and required a range of specialised utensils and vessels such as this one. Such items could also have religious purposes, used when making offerings to the gods. Excellent condition, beautiful patina. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market. Size: L:130mm / W:240mm ; 505g