Vessel with long spout

Object Details

• Description

  Bulbous vessel with flat base, constricted neck that flares toward an open rim. The elongated spout is attached at right angles to the body, with a swelling at the base. Eight hemispherical rivets encircle the base of the spout where it is attached to the vessel.

• Label

  Judging from similar examples excavated at sites in northern and western Iran (e.g., Tappe Marlik, Tappe Guran, and Tappe Sialk), this type of vessel was in use from about 1100 to 700 BCE. In 2005, a hoard of ca. 350 such metal vessels was found near Khorramabad in Luristan, Iran, indicating a use in collaborative rituals. Metal vessels such as this one inspired also larger ceramic versions, as well as stone vessels with long narrow metal spouts. The decorative rivets that encircle the base of the spout and disguise where it joins the bulbous body may have had a practical purpose.

• Provenance

  To the late 1950s or 1960s

  H. Khan Monif (died 1968), Persian Antique Gallery, New York to the late 1950s or 1960s [1]

  From the late 1950s or 1960s to 1996

  Emma C. Bunker, purchased in New York City from H. Khan Monif in the late 1950s or 1960s [2]

  From 1996

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Mr. John B. and Mrs. Emma C. Bunker, Wheatland, WY, in 1996

  Notes:

  [1] According to Provenance Remark 1 in the object record.

  [2] See note 1.

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Ancient Iranian Ceramics (July 16, 2011 to January 27, 2013)

• Previous custodian or owner

  H. Kahn Monif (1886 or 1888-1968)

  John B. Bunker and Emma C. Bunker

• Origin

  Iran

• Credit Line

  Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker in memory of Dr. Edith Porada

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  500s, BCE 1000s

• Name

  Monif, H. Kahn, Bunker, John B.

• Topic

  Bronze, Iron Age III (ca. 800 - 500 BCE), Art, Inlay (process), Riveting, Sculpture, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE), Metal-work

• Culture

  Iranians, Middle Easterners

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)