A Luristan bronze “Master of Animals” standard finial, 9th – 7th century BC, Western Iran, Cast bronze bifacial “Master of Animals” standard finial comprising of a central tube, modelled to resemble a anthropomorphic figure with feline legs and haunches, grappling with a pair of stylised lions with open jaws turned toward the head of the central figure. On wooden stand. H (without wood pedestal) 11.5 cm, Fine condition, with dark green patina. Provenance: -Dutch private collection. Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 57.51.45 ; British Museum, museum number 108817. Literature: Houshang Mahboubian, The Art of Ancient Iran: Copper and Bronze (London, Philip Wilson Publishers, 1997), p. 125-163, nos. 105-167; P.R.S. Moorey, Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1971), p. 140- 160, nos.161-184, pls. 30-37, esp. p. 153 ff. nos. 175 ff ; Phil Watson, Luristan Bronzes in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Birmingham, Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery, 2011), p. 2-11, nos. 1-17.