Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran, Amlash culture, ca. mid-3rd millennium BCE. A hand-built grayware pottery pitcher bearing an unusual diamond-shaped spout. The egg-shaped vessel rests upon a stable planar base while a pair of handles arch up along the upper body. A tall, funnel-shaped spout rises above and enables liquid to be easily poured in. Amlash vessels were buried in large megalithic tombs, built by part of the Marlik culture. Despite its proximity to the large Mesopotamian cultures, the geographical barrier of the high Zagros and Elburz Mountains kept it relatively isolated and a very unique ceramic tradition developed there. This is an elegant example of a grave good that, based on how few graves have been found in the Amlash assemblage, seems to have been reserved only for high status individuals. Size: 7" L x 5.75" W x 10" H (17.8 cm x 14.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Provenance: Private Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA collection, via inheritance; Leota Furlong Agett Persian Pottery collection, acquired in Tehran, Iran in the early 1960s
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#181314
Condition
Professional restoration to tip of spout and small area of upper rim, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and light pitting, with fading to color in some areas, and light earthen deposits, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to unusual form of spout. Previous information label beneath base. TL drill holes beneath base and behind top rim.