LOT #40003 |
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Assyrian Bronze Thigh and Shin Guards with High Relief Decoration, c. 8th-7th Century B.C. ... (Total: 2 )
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Sold on Jun 9, 2025 for:
$22,500.00
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Description
Assyrian Bronze Thigh and Shin Guards with High Relief Decoration, c. 8th-7th Century B.CA remarkable and exceptionally rare pair of Assyrian bronze armor plates, comprising a thigh guard and a shin guard, each adorned in high relief with scenes of powerful animal combat and ornamental motifs, rendered in the vital and muscular style characteristic of Late Assyrian art.
The 12 1/2-inch in height thigh guard features a striking central composition of two rampant lions confronted, boldly modeled in large-scale relief, each lion standing over five inches high. Framing the central scene are three decorative registers: two rows of four rosettes and a central row of four palmettes, creating a balanced ornamental field. The edge of the guard is pierced at intervals, indicating it was originally secured to a leather legging or fabric backing. The 16 1/2-inch in height shin guard echoes the aesthetic and quality of the thigh piece, with two vertically stacked registers of confronting bulls and confronting horses, again executed in superb high relief. These panels are separated by ornament bands identical to those found on the thigh guard, further unifying the pair. A final geometric motif concludes the composition beneath the horse panel. Like the thigh guard, the edges are pierced for attachment. Guards come with sales invoice [INV# aq15627] and previous antiquities house listing that handled the sale to the current consignor. Sold by Harlan J. Berk, Ltd out of Chicago, Illinois on August 11, 2006.
Note: Assyrian armor is exceptionally rare, with fewer than two dozen known examples. These pieces were not typically buried as grave goods, and their survival is due to extraordinary preservation. This pair exemplifies Assyrian martial craftsmanship and likely belonged to a high-ranking officer or noble within the royal military elite. Dating to the height of the Neo-Assyrian Empire [c. 750 - 600 B.C.], when Assyria controlled a vast territory from Egypt to Iran, the set reflects the empire's distinctive aesthetic bold, stylized, and both functional and ceremonial in nature.
Condition: Given its antiquity, over 2,500 years old, the piece survives in remarkably stable condition, with expected losses consistent with age and handling. Minor losses are present at the upper left and right margins, with some surface erosion affecting the bulls' heads in the upper register. Chipping is visible along the right edge, and there is a small area of repair at the lower left. Minor loss to one section; the associated fragment is preserved and accompanies the lot. The surface retains well-preserved bronze with mineralized encrustations, lending rich texture and authenticity. The overall preservation is consistent with that of the thigh guard, and both pieces remain archaeologically and visually compelling.
Auction Info
2025 June 9 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6320 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2025
9th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 789
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25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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