A small Luristan bronze bowl featuring a round body and wide mouth. The bowl is hemispherical in shape and sits upon a rounded base. The body curves regularly towards the thin rim. Both the interior and exterior are undecorated. A beautiful green patina and earthly encrustation to the surface. Some scratches and wear consistent with age. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, renowned in antiquity for its sophisticated metal working techniques. Due to the nomadic nature of the populations that settled in the area, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Excavated items most often included weapons, tools, vessels and finials, but ornamental pieces such as amulets, fittings and jewellery such as pins or bracelets also feature in the material record. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Luristan bronze objects often served ceremonial functions given their funerary contexts, and there are recurring artistic motifs of flora and fauna and the human relationship to each throughout their work. Measurements: W 9.8cm x H 5.3cm Provenance: Ex. London collection, acquired 1990s-present.