Iran, c. 1st millennium BC - 7th C. BC

Ceramic, 25 cm

Provenance:
Count Maurice D'Arquian (1908 - 1975), Brussels
Colette Ghysels collection, Brussels

Superb zoomorphic ritual libation vessel from the Amlash region with elongated spout. Ritual vessels like these were most likely used for pouring liquids during religious ceremonies and were found mainly in burial sites. Amlash pottery distinguishes itself by its extraordinary craftsmanship and unusual shapes that have a strikingly modern feel. In this case, the shape of the vessel resembles a long-beaked bird with a curved neck, likely representing an ibis. The linear engraved decorations to be found on this particular vessel make it an exceptionally refined example of Amlash ceramic art.

A material analysis by Scantix, provided and executed by Dr. Marc Ghysels reveals the extreme thinness of this jug.