1100-1700 Tall Brass Bronze Etched Vessel Mythology Ancient Reptile Bird People For Sale
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1100-1700 Tall Brass Bronze Etched Vessel Mythology Ancient Reptile Bird People:
$72000.00
ITEM: Original Antique Brass or Bronze Vessel
The 12 photos here cannot show all of the scenes or creatures that are etched into the metal. There is apparently no option to add more images in this category. Please contact us and we can add some to a message through the system.
This is a very old, hand-etched, museum quality piece that depicts mythological creatures in many scenes of war and of peace, and traveling on land, flying, and on a boat. We believe that it is Bronze, or Brass with some other added metal - due to lack of rust.
Information below is from the collective responses from several Universities and Museums who were able to offer information to narrow the age, origin, and purpose of this item, but not to conclusively state its origin with confidence. A Metallurgical test, such as X-Ray Fluorescence would reveal the exact elements and ingredients of the metal, which may further help to narrow the age and origin. But, with trading by boat occurring since early Mesopotamian civilization, metals and styles of creating objects were exchanged among cultures and locations many centuries before this was made.
ESTIMATED PERIOD OF CREATION: 1100 - 1699 AD / CE
Age is estimated based on the material, style, method of craftsmanship, etching, and theme of mythological creatures: Harpy, bird people, reptilian people, creature on an early style of boat wearing a Fustanella (battle skirt), lack of words or language, lack of weapons, lack of a mark, primitive style, shape of vessel, etc.
POSSIBLE ORIGINS: Indo-Islamic / Akkadian / Persian / Early Middle Eastern / Late Mesopotamian Culture or Civilization
In our research and that of the Universities and Museums that were contacted, there were no other examples found of vessels with similar creatures, except for a few Hittite and Egyptian pieces, 12th and 13th Century ceramic and stone, and a few 12th - 17th Century brass and bronze Pieces. Similar creatures and styles were found in 12-13th Century object, while more similar vessels / vases with floral or decorative designs were found in 14th - 17th Century examples.
Vessels of brass and bronze, in similar shapes were found. 12th - 17th Century objects with a similar Harpy and a few similar mammals were found. However, nothing was found that matched the scenes on this vessel in a similar, primitive style, with similar creatures, in brass or bronze, or on a vessel.
The general shape of this vessel has been used since at least 1600-1050 BC / BCE, during the Shang, Zhou, and Ming dynasties of China and throughout Indo-Islamic, Islamic, Persian and several other cultures. Some late examples of this shape vessel date into the 19th Century or even early 20th Century. However, they are usually decorative, with floral or abstract designs. Therefore, the shape is not a primary indicator of age or origin.
This has been in the same family for generations, but we do not know where it originated. The family migrated to the US from Europe in the 1700’s.
PURPOSE: There is a consensus that this is an item made for religious, spiritual, or ceremonial use. It could have been used for water or wine.
Characters are: Harpy (mythological creature with bird body and human head), Bird People (large birds that stand upright, are often clothed, and have human-like gestures), Reptilians / Annunaki (large reptiles that stand upright), Wolves, Other Mammals that appear to be Rams, Camels, Goats, etc., Possibly a type of extinct mammal - has a long neck and spots. One very large creature on its back that resembles a “sea monster,” in size and posture, but may have fur. Possibly small dinosaurs - these look similar to some of the mammals, but have long, pointed tails often with tiny front arms, and bodies and heads that most resemble upright lizards.
Some of the scenes are as follows:
1. Harpy - crouching bird with visible wings and talons and a human face
2. Reptilian wearing kilt having a conversation with a bird as a second bird watches (on neck)
3. Two creatures with the lower one eating a Reptilian whole - open mouth with the Reptilian’s legs and torso hanging out
4. Reptilian looking back with a bird in front and a bird overhead - surrounding him
5. Conference of 3 Bird People with bird god above them and upside down - as if coming down from the sky
6. Conference of 4 Bird People with 2 birds present
7. Reptilian about to be eaten by a much larger “sea monster” sort of animal with a curled tail, which has an open mouth and outstretched tongue
8. 2 birds watch as 2 camels bite each other and fight
9. A snake fights a bird
10. A wolf and a mammal with long neck and spots attack a bird that is on its back
11. 2 wolves or 1 wolf and a small dinosaur become friends with 2 birds
12. Reptilian riding camel travels with 2 birds
13. 2 small dinosaurs or odd mammals are attacked by a bird flying downward.
14. 2 Reptilians running in opposite directions or dancing as a bird comes from above
15. Clothed creature with turtle head yells at unclothed Reptilian as he runs away (indicated by position of legs and arms with body pointing away as face looks back).
16. Spotted mammal with large eyes - looks like a jackal
17. Bird Person stands on back of mammal to talk with flying bird
18. Animal with tiny Front arms that resembles a Dinosaur with bird on its back
19. Mammal (possibly wolf) playin with 2 birds
20. Various smaller scenes of animals rejoicing or having peace
CONDITION: Excellent condition. Unpolished. Sturdy and made of relatively thick metal. Stands straight, relative to the era and craftsmanship. The lip is slightly wavy. The texture is higher relief medallions on the foot and reservoir with hand etching throughout. Surface is slightly wavy due to the process of hammering. We used the limit of 12 photos, but can send more if you message us.
APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS:
19\" Tall
8.5\" Wide at widest point
4.5\" Wide at top lip
1.5 - 1.75\" opening in neck
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs. without packaging
Please be sure that receiving this item is not restricted by the laws of your country before you purchase it. If we find any problem with this, we will notify you before it is shipped.
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