Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull
ca. 1200–800 B.C.E.
1 of 4
Object Label
Ancient Iranian Ceramics
These ceramics demonstrate ancient Iranian artists’ interest in creating containers and other ritual instruments in the shape of mammals or birds. This tradition was of incredible duration, stretching back to about 3000 B.C.E. of the Neolithic period and lasting as late as the sixth century C.E. These shapes relate Iranian art to the customs of neighboring regions of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Central Asia where animal art also played an integral role.
These ceramics demonstrate ancient Iranian artists’ interest in creating containers and other ritual instruments in the shape of mammals or birds. This tradition was of incredible duration, stretching back to about 3000 B.C.E. of the Neolithic period and lasting as late as the sixth century C.E. These shapes relate Iranian art to the customs of neighboring regions of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Central Asia where animal art also played an integral role.
Caption
Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull, ca. 1200–800 B.C.E.. Clay, 11 × 14 3/16 × 5 7/8 in. (28 × 36 × 15 cm) Weight: 4.9 lb. (2.21kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano, 2015.65.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull
Date
ca. 1200–800 B.C.E.
Period
Iron Age I-II
Geography
Place made: Marlik region, Northern Iran, Iran
Medium
Clay
Classification
Dimensions
11 × 14 3/16 × 5 7/8 in. (28 × 36 × 15 cm) Weight: 4.9 lb. (2.21kg)
Credit Line
Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano
Accession Number
2015.65.1
Frequent Art Questions
Is that symbol for something?
The bull represents strength and masculinity. This particular bull is a zebu, a type of cattle that is still common in India. The nose of the bull has been turned into a spout. This vessel likely served a ceremonial purpose and may have even held bull's urine.
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