Large Bronze Luristan Axe Head

Culture: Iran/Luristan

Period: Late 2nd to early 1st millennium B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 21.2 cm long

Price: Reserved

Ref: 6602

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number 28. Acquired between 1960 and the early 1980s. Thence in the family estate. With a collection note.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large and solid bronze axe head with a beautiful patina from Luristan in northwestern Iran. At the front a massive, vertical, crescent blade. The upper side until the cylindrical shaft hole elegantly indented, at the bottom a raised rib. The shaft hole is decorated with three round buttons arranged one above the other. Between the top and the middle button a horizontal rib. The axe head rotates at a right angle to the back and ends in a horizontal blade that is also rounded in a crescent shape. See for the form Christie’s auction on 28 April 2004, lot 34. Rare in this size.