Bronze with traces of gilt
1800–600 BC
Length 21 1/4"
Provenance: Private collection, New York
This Luristan cast bronze dagger features a long tapering blade with a raised central midrib and a flanged hilt cast in a single piece with the blade, a construction method characteristic of Luristan metalwork from ancient western Persia. The hilt flanges are hollowed along their edges to receive inlay, likely wood or ivory, now lost. Traces of gold gilt remain on the hilt, suggesting the dagger served a ceremonial or ritual function rather than combat use.
Luristan bronzes, produced in the Zagros mountain region of western Iran from the late Bronze Age through the early Iron Age, encompass a wide range of weapons, horse trappings, and votive objects distinguished by their cast construction and frequent use of decorative inlay and surface treatment. Flanged hilt daggers and swords of this type are among the most recognizable forms in the Luristan repertoire and appear regularly in major museum and private collections formed during the twentieth century. The length of 21 1/4" places this example among the larger known specimens of the type.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Bronze with traces of gilt
1800–600 BC
Length 21 1/4"
Provenance: Private collection, New York
This Luristan cast bronze dagger features a long tapering blade with a raised central midrib and a flanged hilt cast in a single piece with the blade, a construction method characteristic of Luristan metalwork from ancient western Persia. The hilt flanges are hollowed along their edges to receive inlay, likely wood or ivory, now lost. Traces of gold gilt remain on the hilt, suggesting the dagger served a ceremonial or ritual function rather than combat use.
Luristan bronzes, produced in the Zagros mountain region of western Iran from the late Bronze Age through the early Iron Age, encompass a wide range of weapons, horse trappings, and votive objects distinguished by their cast construction and frequent use of decorative inlay and surface treatment. Flanged hilt daggers and swords of this type are among the most recognizable forms in the Luristan repertoire and appear regularly in major museum and private collections formed during the twentieth century. The length of 21 1/4" places this example among the larger known specimens of the type.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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