WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE SPOUTED VESSEL

c. 1200 to 800 BC. Western Asiatic, Luristan culture. Bronze vessel with bucket-style strap handle, wide rim, constricted neck, globular body, ring foot and L-shaped, elongated spout. A human face protome with high stylised features sits below the supports a L-shaped spout. The protome is encircled by a halo of applied spheres. 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: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent. Size: L:275mm / W:375mm ; 910g