Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 900 to 700 BCE. A fascinating brass fibula with a head of discoid form displaying the relief of a woman giving birth. The female is shown nude with large hips, voluptuous breasts, and both legs and arms spread as an infant emerges from her vaginal canal. Bangles adorning her wrists and forearms, she grips each hand in a tight fist and gazes outward at her viewer. Her minimalist visage displays annular eyes and a sizeable nose, all framed by an arched coiffure. Four rosettes surround the woman as a slender, tapering tang projects outwards from the bottom of the fibula head. Size: 3.3"" W x 5"" H (8.4 cm x 12.7 cm); 5.4"" H (13.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Cf. Louvre Museum, AO 25006.
A similar Luristan bronze disk hammered for $28,800 as lot 64 at Christie's New York on June 8th, 2007 (live auction 1846).
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#172728
Condition
Expected surface wear with nicks, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.