Ensign finial, two leopards, 1000-800 BC
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This bronze ensign finial from Luristan depicts two leopards challenging each other. A finely wrought bronze pin slides between the leopards muzzles, then between their fore and aft paws. The leopards stand on a tall bronze column, with a widening base that was probably affixed to a wooden pole. The extraordinarily elongated, stylized bodies of the animals and the harmonious balance of curves indicate that this bronze was crafted during the second bronze production period of Luristan, between 1,000 and 800 BC. This is in contrast to the first period (1,200 to 1,000 BC) imbued with northern Mesopotamian, Kassite and Mittanian influences, and the third period (800 to 600 BC) with its almost baroque style. Parallels: “Height 32.2 cm. - Width 6.3 cm. - Luristan, 8th century BC” (Musee Borely 1975:48 #139). Bibliography (for this item)Musée Borely,1975 Art de l’Ancien Iran. Musée Borely, Marseille, France. (48 # 139) |
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