Luristan Bronze Sword with Ear Pommel

£ 725.00

A fine Luristan bronze short-sword, featuring a triangular blade with sharp edges tapering to a point. The blade displays a central midrib leading to the rectangular guard. The weapon displays a narrow, flanged hilt with a crescentic pommel in which a wooden inlay would have originally been placed. The hilt also exhibits three encircling ribs. Beautiful green patination remains on the surface.

Date: Circa 1800 - 600 BC
Condition: Very fine condition.

SOLD

SKU: HY-21 Category: Tag:

Luristan objects are for the majority bronze cast items decorated with bronze sculptures and there have been many discovered in the Lorestān Province. This includes many weapons, tools and finials along with small amulets and fittings. The decorative technique is predominately openwork with Scythian art influences. However, the identity of those who created these fine pieces are still unknown to this day. Animals were often featured as decorations, they ranged from mammals such as ibexes and large bird to zoomorphic creatures including griffins. A prime and popular example is the Master of Animals which usually depicts a man or women holding animals or just the animals themselves facing each other on finials or standards. This imagery can be seen across the Mesopotamian civilisations. Everyday objects were also desired which included pins and bracelets.

To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.

Weight 436 g
Dimensions L 41.6 x W 6 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 136084