Spouted vessel with gazelle protome

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 1
IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

On View
  • Period

    ca. 500-300 BCE
  • Geography

    Iran or Turkey
  • Material

    Earthenware and paint
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 28.3 x 11.7 x 18.1 cm (11 1/8 x 4 5/8 x 7 1/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.31
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.31

Object Details

  • Label

    The drinking vessel with a protome (forepart) in the shape of an animal's head was a traditional form in ancient Iran. This example illustrates the combination of forming techniques that potters often used on a single vessel. Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Materials Research and Education used a radiographic imaging technique called xeroradiography to examine the construction of this vessel. They were able to determine that the beaker portion of the vessel was built using strips or coils of clay, whereas the animal's head was modeled by hand.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran (February 4, 2012 - ongoing)
    Metalwork and Ceramics from Ancient Iran (November 19, 1992 to January 22, 2004)
    Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)
  • Origin

    Iran or Turkey
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Vessel
  • On View

    Sackler Gallery 21: Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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