Babylonian Bronze Situla, 1000 BCE - 800 BCE
Bronze
5.5
SK.049
This intricate bronze situla is of slightly waisted cylindrical form with a rounded nipple base set in the centre of a repoussé rosette. The body is decorated with a procession...
This intricate bronze situla is of slightly waisted cylindrical form with a rounded nipple base set in the centre of a repoussé rosette. The body is decorated with a procession of votaries walking in profile. The two figures with long hair and short-sleeved belted dresses may possibly be female. A shorter bearded male behind wears a ribbed conical hat and all three figures have their hands outstretched towards an altar. Behind this stands a tall bearded male holding a sceptre and wearing a large domed hat and a long skirt with punched decoration. The figurative scene is bordered above and below by a band of guilloche decoration.
References:
O. White-Muscarella, ‘Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artefacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,’ (New York, 1988), pp. 244-7, nos. 342-3.
P.R.S. Moorey, ‘Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Adam Collection,’ (London, 1974), p. 153, fig. 135.
References:
O. White-Muscarella, ‘Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artefacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,’ (New York, 1988), pp. 244-7, nos. 342-3.
P.R.S. Moorey, ‘Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Adam Collection,’ (London, 1974), p. 153, fig. 135.
Provenance
Acquired on the Austrian Art Market between 1975-1985. Accompanied by an Austrian export licence.Bonham's, London, Sale #15216, Lot #217, 26 Oct 2007