Western Asiatic Bronze Bronze Bell - 5 cm

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€ 1
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Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 200 - € 450
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A bronze bell from the Western Asiatic Luristan region, dating to circa 1000–700 BC, measuring 3.5 cm wide and 5 cm high, with a rectangular suspension loop, an original bronze clapper, and an attractive dark patina with minor wear.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Small spherical bronze bell from the Luristan region of western Iran, featuring a rectangular suspension loop. The globular body is decorated with finely incised concentric bands and incorporates the characteristic longitudinal slit through which the sound is produced. The original bronze clapper is still preserved inside the bell.

Bronze bells of this type are characteristic products of the Luristan Bronze tradition of the Early Iron Age. They were commonly suspended from horse harnesses, chariots, or garments, serving not only as sound-producing objects but also as symbols of protection and status. Comparable examples have been recovered from graves and sanctuaries throughout the Luristan region and are generally dated to the Early Iron Age.

The surface displays an attractive dark brown to green archaeological patina with areas of mineral encrustation, enhancing the authentic archaeological appearance of the piece.

Condition:
Good condition consistent with age. The original bronze clapper remains intact and still produces a soft sound when gently moved. Attractive ancient patina with areas of corrosion, mineralisation, and minor age-related wear.

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 therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.

Small spherical bronze bell from the Luristan region of western Iran, featuring a rectangular suspension loop. The globular body is decorated with finely incised concentric bands and incorporates the characteristic longitudinal slit through which the sound is produced. The original bronze clapper is still preserved inside the bell.

Bronze bells of this type are characteristic products of the Luristan Bronze tradition of the Early Iron Age. They were commonly suspended from horse harnesses, chariots, or garments, serving not only as sound-producing objects but also as symbols of protection and status. Comparable examples have been recovered from graves and sanctuaries throughout the Luristan region and are generally dated to the Early Iron Age.

The surface displays an attractive dark brown to green archaeological patina with areas of mineral encrustation, enhancing the authentic archaeological appearance of the piece.

Condition:
Good condition consistent with age. The original bronze clapper remains intact and still produces a soft sound when gently moved. Attractive ancient patina with areas of corrosion, mineralisation, and minor age-related wear.

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 therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.

Details

Culture
Western Asiatic
Century/timeframe
c. 1000–700 BC
Name of object
Bronze Bell
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
3.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
GermanyVerified
482
Objects sold
96.92%
Private

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.

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