Ivory Carving, 8-7th century BC. Probably Neo Assyrian. Restored vs real. This piece, known as “Panel fragments with hunting scenes”, supposedly found in Ziwiye, Iran, depicts a hunting or battle scene. Its similarity with certain Assyrian reliefs, has led to classifying it as Assyrian…[1319×1080]

…It was likely used as furniture decoration. The styles and themes in Neo-Assyrian ivory decoration is quite rich, with great influence from other civilizations, like Egypt. There is also a fair chance this piece came as part of a tribute from a vassal kingdom.

In 1946 a treasure was reportedly found at a mound near the village of Ziwiye in northwestern Iran. Objects attributed to Ziwiye are stylistically similar to Assyrian art of the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. as well as to the art of contemporary Syria, Urartu, and Scythia. Many objects of gold, silver, bronze, ivory, and ceramic have since appeared with the provenance of Ziwiye, although there is no way to verify this identification.

The piece is part of the Metropolitan Museum collection, not on display. The information attached to it is at least meagre. I have tried to find out more but can only make assumptions. Whoever can shed some more light on this piece is welcome.

As usual, my apologies for inaccuracies and mistakes.