700-600 BC. Western Asian, Urartian. A complete bronze belt set made from hammered bronze, with chased low relief decoration comprising three repeating registers of mythical and worldly beasts including gazelle, lions and lamassus (winged bulls with human heads), pursed by human archers. The Urartu civilisation was one of several which arose from the ashes of the Hittite Empire in around 1200 BCE, each of which developed its own distinct language, religion, ethnicity, and visual culture, as this gorgeous piece exemplifies. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:With Stand: 90mm / W:420mm ; 3.81kg; Provenance: property of a Central London Gallery, acquired by a British private collection, formerly in Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, collection number AG R 249. Exhibited at the Guttmann museum with supporting image (available upon request).