Parthian Tripod Vessel in Form of a Stylized Bird from Amlash

Culture: Parthian

Period: 3rd-1st century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 12.6 cm high; 18 cm long

Price: 1 600 Euro

Ref: 6577

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number 1A. Acquired between 1960 and the early 1980s. Thence in the family estate. With a collection note and a copy of the inventory list.

Condition: A small chip on one leg, otherwise wonderfully preserved.

Description: Interesting terracotta vessel with three outwards twisted legs in form of a stylized bird. The body is swaged and rounded on all sides. At the back three tail studs protrude, one of them pulled downwards. The upper- and lower side of the vessel is decorated with glazed decoration, which is still clearly recognizable. The spout as the animal’s head is highly raised and has a rounded cloverleaf rim. The handle starts at the back of the spout and reaches to the back of the vessel. A rare form. See the vessel in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco with the object number B60P2019, which dates to the Parthian period. An enclosed collection note indicates correctly Amlash as the excavation site, but dates the piece to the 8th century B.C., which needs to be ruled out due to the glazed decoration.