Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan culture, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A slender cast-bronze situla with a mammiform base, smooth walls which taper slightly, a deep interior cavity, and a gently-flared rim. The walls of the situla boast a pair of highly-stylized winged ibexes in low relief with retracted front legs and extended back legs as if just having taken flight. The slender-bodied animals leap elegantly towards one another, their downcast heads presenting enormous curved horns to seemingly provoke the other into making the first move. Shrouded in lustrous layers of dark brown and green patina, this is a fabulous example replete with expert craftsmanship and sophisticated presentation. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 2.375" W x 4.375" H (6 cm x 11.1 cm).

The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased decorative items like these were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that they were mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. Their horses were their livelihood, and they seem to have ornamented them as beautifully as they ornamented themselves.

A similar, larger example hammered for $11,250 at Christie's, New York Antiquities Auction (Sale 3748, June 4, 2015, lot 128): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/ancient-art-antiquities/a-luristan-bronze-beaker-circa-9th-7th-century-5903852-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5903852&sid=a3c7f777-8035-4b3e-aa99-e35ff7648017

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA

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#133016

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, slight bending to overall form, fading to some finer details, and light roughness to rim and body, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits as well as great brown and green patina throughout.