Parthian Libation Vessel

Culture: Parthian

Period: 2nd-1st century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 29 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6105

Provenance: From the estate of the ancient art dealer Yeganeh acquired between 1950 and 1983. Thence collection of the heirs. Sold on 11 August 2015 to Galerie Antiken-Kabinett Gackstätter, inventory number 01497. With certificate of Galerie Antiken-Kabinett and a letter of the Yeganeh heirs confirming the provenance.

Condition: Two fragments on the outlet reattached, otherwise wonderfully preserved.

Description: Large libation vessel of the red polished ware from the Parthian period. The corpulent, ovoid rhyton stands on four stump legs. In the front a long, slender neck, forming to the end a pouring spout which finishes off horizontally in the form of a snout. Two plastically set off eyes with circular pupils. In between a knob indicating a small horn. On the spine a funnel-shaped outlet and in the back a loop handle, reaching from the outlet to the body. See: Wilfried Seipel, “1.000 Jahre persische Kunst”, Kunsthalle Bonn 2002, Abb. 145.