Western Asiatic Bronze Bronze Disc-Headed Pin with Floral and Pomegranate Decoration - 16 cm

A finely decorated Luristan bronze disc-headed pin, attributed to the Iron Age of western Iran, probably the 9th–7th century BC.

The pin features a long, slender shaft surmounted by a large circular disc, richly ornamented with floral and vegetal relief decoration.

At the centre of the disc is a prominent multi-petalled flower rosette, its radiating petals enclosed within a double circular border.

Surrounding the central rosette is a carefully arranged ornamental register containing stylised plant and fruit motifs, including bud-shaped and pomegranate-like elements. The decoration is organised concentrically, creating a balanced and elaborate composition.

The ornamentation appears to have been produced using hammering and chasing techniques. The relatively thin bronze disc displays relief structures on its reverse, reflecting the method of manufacture.

Below the decorated disc extends a long, narrow bronze shaft, tapering gradually towards its lower end.

The combination of the prominent circular head, detailed floral decoration and slender shaft gives the object a particularly elegant appearance.

Cultural Context and Dating

Decorated bronze pins with large circular heads are characteristic of the metalworking traditions associated with Iron Age Luristan in western Iran.

Such objects are known with geometric, floral and vegetal ornamentation, including rosettes, stylised blossoms and fruit motifs.

The central rosette and surrounding plant decoration belong to a broader ancient Near Eastern ornamental tradition. Floral motifs could carry associations with fertility, growth and renewal, although a specific symbolic meaning cannot be established for this individual pin.

The present example is attributed on stylistic and typological grounds to the Luristan Iron Age tradition, probably the 9th–7th century BC.

Comparative Reference

A relevant comparison is a bronze disc-headed pin in the collection of the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inventory no. AO 20573), featuring vegetal decoration and pomegranate motifs.

This comparison illustrates the use of elaborate floral and fruit ornamentation on bronze pins associated with ancient western Iran.

The reference is provided for typological and decorative comparison and does not imply an identical workshop or archaeological origin.

Condition

Good condition considering its considerable age. Possible adhesive residues may be present on the object,

The bronze displays a pronounced green to dark green patina, with areas of brownish oxidation, earthy deposits and mineral accretions.

The circular disc shows minor edge irregularities, surface wear and localised corrosion.

The central rosette and surrounding floral and vegetal motifs remain clearly recognisable.

The long bronze shaft is preserved and displays age-related surface changes and slight irregularities.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

Display

Presented on a modern display stand.

The modern display stand is used solely for presentation and is not included in the sale.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.

Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.

The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.

Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.