WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE HORSE BIT WITH MASTER OF ANIMAL Ca. 1200 - 800 BC. A bronze horse bit composed of a central rod with curled ends terminating in loops. Each end is fitted with an elaborate openwork cheek piece depicting a central figure known as the "Master of Animals," shown holding a serpent on either side. The composition is further flanked by two bulls, all standing on a bar-shaped base. Size: 175mm x 125mm; Weight: 595g Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.