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Vessel in the Form of a Recumbent Camel with Jugs

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

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.
MEDIUM Clay
  • Place Made: Western Iran, Iran
  • DATES 250 B.C.E.–224 C.E.
    PERIOD Parthian Period
    DIMENSIONS 5 7/8 x 10 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (15 x 26 x 33.6 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 2015.65.15
    CREDIT LINE Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION A horizontal vessel that tapers to a small nozzle above which a long neck curves forward to end in a small somewhat angular head. Small ears and a loop-like curl on top of the head enhance the alert expression conveyed by the eyes with their incised radiating lines. The nostrils and the mouth are also incised. The head and neck had broken from the body of the pot in antiquity and were reattached by thongs or wires laced through the holes bored at the base of the neck on either side of the break. A short-necked mouth with a beveled rim braced at the back by a small circular handle rises from the top of the animal's back. On each side of the vessel is an oval jar with a narrow mouth and beveled rim. A small vertical form on the round rump suggests the tail.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Vessel in the Form of a Recumbent Camel with Jugs, 250 B.C.E.–224 C.E. Clay, 5 7/8 x 10 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (15 x 26 x 33.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano, 2015.65.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2015.65.15_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 2015.65.15_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Vessel in the Form of a Recumbent Camel with Jugs</em>, 250 B.C.E.–224 C.E. Clay, 5 7/8 x 10 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (15 x 26 x 33.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano, 2015.65.15. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2015.65.15_PS9.jpg)