Luristan Bronze Sword with Short Hilt

£ 825.00

A fine Luristan bronze sword featuring a flat triangular blade with parallel straight edges tapering to a point. The blade rests in a rectangular cross-guard, which slopes into a short cylindrical hilt with a slightly flared central section. This allows for a secure hold on the weapon and good manageability. The grip is enriched by three concentric ridges which frame an enlarged tubular band. To the end sits a crescent-shaped pommel decorated with two horizontal incisions to each side and a small circular concave section to the centre. A beautiful green patina remains on the surface.

 

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

SOLD

SKU: MG-53 Category: Tags: ,

Throughout the Ancient World, from Greece to Persia, battles raged. The skilled Ancient Persian craftsmen, particularly in the Luristan area, developed great skill in bronze metalwork, producing some of the finest weaponry then available. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Most of Luristan weapons have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting that such weapons would have been used not only in everyday life but also with ceremonial purposes.

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

Weight 350 g
Dimensions L 52.5 x W 4.6 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

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