Ancient Near East, Assyria, ca. late 2nd millennium BCE. A fabulous example of a chariot wheel rim comprised of six large sections and two petite sections cast from copper, each with double-riveted, U-shaped flanges spaced evenly across each component. The curved copper sections would have attached to the exterior of a wooden wheel to aid in crossing over the uneven, rough, and varied terrain of the ancient Near East. Each rim component is completely covered in thick layers of brown, green, and russet patina that create a colorful presentation evocative of ancient Assyrian artistry. An intriguing artifact to keep the wheels turning on any collection! Size (largest piece): 17.25" L x 3.625" W (43.8 cm x 9.2 cm); (wheel diameter): 36.3" W (92.2 cm); (display case): 41.2" L x 41.2" W (104.6 cm x 104.6 cm)

Compare a similar wheel from Choqa Zanbil can be seen in the National Museum of Iran, Tehran.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Sotheby's, sale LN 6400, Lot 33, 1996

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.

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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.

#164549

This is a grouping of rim fragments that once went over a wooden chariot wheel. Light encrustations, nicks, and bending to some sections, with small losses to some rivets, otherwise intact and excellent. Fantastic patina throughout. Rim sections are mounted on a custom display stand with an acrylic lid.