Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 281:
Luristan bronzes are a well known group of wide ranging cast bronze objects, including daggers such as this example, from the Early Iron Age which have been found in largenumbers in Lorestan Province and Kermanshah in western Persia. They include a great numberof ornaments, tools, weapons, horse-fittings and a smaller number of vessels, and those found inknown excavations are generally found in burials. The ethnicity of the people who created themremains unclear, though they may well have been Persian, possibly related to the modern Lurpeople who have given their name to the area.The bronzes tend to be flat and use openwork, like the related metalwork of Scythian art. TheLuristan style is characterized by stylized human and animal forms, often combined to createfantastic creatures. Humans, birds, snakes, horses, bovid and feline species, and several speciesof goats are the main components. Vegetal elements are mostly used in a Å“tree of life capacity, as border motifs or as filler motifs in between the principal iconography.There are several categories of objects that display the Luristan style. Horse gear includes horseharnesstrappings and horse bits with decorative cheek pieces. Arms and equipment includespiked axe heads, adzes, daggers, swords, whetstone handles, and quiver plaques. There aremultiple types of daggers and swords, and this example approximates in form one of theprincipal types that has protrusions for the fingers on either side of the handle to seat the fingers more comfortably.The example in the Schmiedt Collection is a well preserved example, finely cast with a deepverdris patina from age. The handle displays multiple protrusions for the grip and is indented forthe inclusion of material to act as the handle grip. The blade is double edged, swollen at the ricasso, and with a single fuller.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 16 1/4" Blade Length : 12 1/2" References:1. Overlaet, B. (2016) Luristan Bronzes- The Field Research In EncyclopidiaIranica2. Khorasani, M.M. (2006) Arms & Armour from Iran. The bronze Age to theEnd of the Qajar Period. Tubingen.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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