Western Asiatic Bronze Large Bronze Cage Bell - 9.5 cm
12
days
09
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12
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45
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 500 - € 900
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A fair-condition large Western Asiatic bronze cage bell (c. 1000–700 BC) with a spherical openwork body, 9.5 cm high, 5.5 cm wide and 5.5 cm deep, featuring an upper suspension loop and a stylised animal figure, acquired in 2025 from a private German collection (Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large and unusually constructed bronze cage bell from the Luristan cultural region of western Iran. The approximately spherical, openwork body consists of several substantial curved bronze bars forming a cage-like structure.
Inside is a bronze ball, which was originally intended to move freely and produce a sound when the bell was shaken or moved. Due to centuries of corrosion, the ball is now fixed by corrosion to the lower part of the cage and is no longer movable.
Particularly distinctive is the upper section, which incorporates a substantial suspension loop together with a small stylised animal figure. Zoomorphic elements are a recurring feature of Luristan bronze work and are frequently encountered on pendants, fittings and objects associated with animal or horse equipment.
The cage bell may therefore have been used as a sounding pendant attached to horse or animal harness. In addition to its practical and decorative function, objects of this type may also have carried a symbolic or apotropaic significance.
The bronze displays a pronounced green to dark brown patina, with areas of mineral encrustation and earthen deposits, particularly within the open cage structure.
Age-related corrosion, patination, mineral encrustations and deposits. The bronze ball inside is fixed by corrosion to the lower section and is therefore no longer movable. Minor corrosion-related irregularities and losses to the surface. Overall, the object remains substantially intact. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Large and unusually constructed bronze cage bell from the Luristan cultural region of western Iran. The approximately spherical, openwork body consists of several substantial curved bronze bars forming a cage-like structure.
Inside is a bronze ball, which was originally intended to move freely and produce a sound when the bell was shaken or moved. Due to centuries of corrosion, the ball is now fixed by corrosion to the lower part of the cage and is no longer movable.
Particularly distinctive is the upper section, which incorporates a substantial suspension loop together with a small stylised animal figure. Zoomorphic elements are a recurring feature of Luristan bronze work and are frequently encountered on pendants, fittings and objects associated with animal or horse equipment.
The cage bell may therefore have been used as a sounding pendant attached to horse or animal harness. In addition to its practical and decorative function, objects of this type may also have carried a symbolic or apotropaic significance.
The bronze displays a pronounced green to dark brown patina, with areas of mineral encrustation and earthen deposits, particularly within the open cage structure.
Age-related corrosion, patination, mineral encrustations and deposits. The bronze ball inside is fixed by corrosion to the lower section and is therefore no longer movable. Minor corrosion-related irregularities and losses to the surface. Overall, the object remains substantially intact. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Details
Culture
Western Asiatic
Century/timeframe
c. 1000–700 BC
Name of object
Large Bronze Cage Bell
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
9.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
5.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
5.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
