Circa 9th-7th century B.C. Comprising: a square-section bar with the ends scrolled in opposite directions; matched pair of outward-facing detailed openwork castings, each cheek-piece showing a god with a horned head above a figural scene with two opposed human figures in profile advancing towards a column with profile animal heads and other detailing; accompanied by a custom-made stand. Cf. Legrain, L., Luristan Bronzes in the University Museum, Philadelphia, 1934, pl.XVI, for the bit; Godard, F., The Art of Iran, London, 1965, item 16; Moorey, P.R.S., Ancient Bronzes from Luristan, London, 1974, plate V (A), for the bronze harness bit, and VIIB for a complete similar bronze bit; Moorey, P.R.S., ‘ The Art of Ancient Iran’ in Ancient Bronzes, Ceramics and Seals, Los Angeles, 1981, item 43; Musée Cernuschi, Bronzes du Luristan, Enigmes de l’Iran Ancien, IIIe-Ier Millenaire av.J.C., Paris, 2008, no.87, p.123, for a similar bit. 1.17 kg total, 19.5 cm wide including stand (7 3/4 in.).

From an old private Japanese collection. Acquired from Shimojo Art, Tokyo, Japan, in 2014. From the private collection of a North West London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous collection photograph, and the original official Japanese cultural export certificate issued by the Director of Art and Curatorial Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and invoice, dated 7th November 2014. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12050-217397.

In the Mesopotamian world the forces of chaos are often represented by animals and the gods are seen as the restraining force to these unpredictable powers that could harm the human world. The presence of horns on these figures distinguishes them as being divine and is often found being worn by kings who saw themselves as close to the gods.