Ancient Near Eastern, Central Asia, or Egyptian, ca. 1600 to 1400 BCE. A beautiful hand-built rhyton or libation vase in the form of a bull head, replete with expressive features delineated in low to high relief, including large round eyes with creases above as if opening them wide, a prominent wrinkled snout with delineated nostrils and mouth, and pointy horns with ears below. A small opening in the mouth is for pouring liquid, and the back of the head has a larger opening that likely once has a flared rim or neck. The bull has a significant history in the ancient world, with representations from every culture, from the Minoans to the Egyptians, and to the Greeks and Romans - symbolizing virility, power, and strength. Size: 9" L x 5.5" W x 6.25" H (22.9 cm x 14 cm x 15.9 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 is available for $50 to the buyer. Please contact us to request.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#137675
Condition
Losses to large opening behind the bull's horns. Losses to tip of horn. Losses to ear and surface abrasions throughout. TL hole on the interior rim of the broken spout and second TL hole on the underside of the snout / lower jaw. Great details and light mineral and earthen deposits.