Name: A rare Near Eastern Bronze Crescent Axehead, ca. 1100 - 900 BCE
Brand: Steve Granitz
SKU: MX2205
Price: 1253300.0 JPY
Availability: InStock

A rare Near Eastern Bronze Crescent Axehead, ca. 1100 - 900 BCE

¥1,253,300

This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

This distinctive type of crescentic axehead with a blade of bronze has often been reported from Luristan, where they appear to have been used primarily from about ca. 1100 to 900 BCE and is ultimately of Elamite or possibly Mesopotamian origin. Their decoration associates them directly with the spike-butted axes and adzes in use there at the same time. With this example, the short cylindrical shaft-hole is ridged at intervals and has a crouching lion rendered in the round along the burr. The transition from shaft hole to the blade is modeled as a full-faced lion's head with prominent angular eye ridges and open jaws from which emerge a fan of stylized feathers. It has been suggested the latter is the final vestige of a representation of the Sumerian lion-headed eagle Imdugud.

cf: Moorey, P.R.S. "Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Adam collection" (London, 1974), page 43-45.

Condition: Professionally cleaned and stabilized revealing a fine red-brown surface with remaining areas of blue-green patina. Light pitting to the blade that does not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. Displayed on a custom lucite base.

Dimensions: Height: 7 5/8 inches (19.36 cm), Width: 4 inches (10.16 cm)

Provenance: Private Californian collection, acquired from Sands of Time in 2013, previously a private NYC collection, acquired from Royal Athena Gallery, NYC., 1980s.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements. Overseas shipments are sent using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.