Near East, Western Iran, Luristan, ca. 9th to 7th century BCE. A skillfully cast bronze bell of an intricate design with a spherical openwork cage presenting repeating "S" shaped bars, each side centering on a hollow conical bezel. The bell contains three bronze balls that rattle nicely. The twin handles each represent an outward facing ibex protome surmounted by a mouflon. Custom stand. Size: 7.375" W x 3.75" H (18.7 cm x 9.5 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on stand

Luristan bronzes were created in the western section of what is now Iran, from the 12th to the 8th centuries BCE. Musical instruments are quite rare, as it significantly more common to find horse trapping artifacts and harness ornaments as well as jewelry and domestic articles. What's more, the ibex was an astronomical symbol of great importance from the earliest Near Eastern civilizations; some have suggested that it was at one time more important in Near Eastern iconography than the bull.

Published in J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, 2002, no. 201.

Provenance: Ex-English private collection; Acquired at Bonham's, London, April 2001; Published: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, 2002, no. 201

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#123493

Some breaks in s-shaped bar repaired. Stunning green and russet patina.