A finely cast and hammered Bronze Age bronze bowl featuring a hemispherical container with a flat base. Its slightly convex walls render an elegant continuously curved profile, ending in a thin rim. The base of the interior is decorated with what looks like a vegetative or floral motif surrounded by concentric circles. The bowl is covered with the beautiful lustre of green and turquoise patination and earthly encrustations due to age. In some areas the patination has come away, revealing the smooth surface underneath. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Excavated items often included weapons, tools, and finials, as well as small amulets and fittings. Everyday objects are also found including pins and bracelets. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Archaeological evidence suggests that the bronze objects often serve ceremonial functions given their funerary contexts. Measurements: Circa W 18.3cm x H 5.6cm Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.