Near East, northeastern Iran, Parthia, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A remarkable pottery fragment of a bull glazed in stunning hues of emerald green, powder blue, and white glaze. Supported by a thick neck, the ancient animal's naturalistic head presents prominent, target-motif eyes and a protruding, flared snout with incised nostrils and a straight mouth. A lovely dotted pattern adorns the periphery of the beast's visage and the relief of a scorpion, shown with a curled tail, raised claws, and a striated back, sits upon the top of its head. Note the beautiful craquelure decorating this gorgeous piece! Size: 8.75" L x 5" W x 8" H (22.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 20.3 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Often seen as a fertility symbol, the bull was a sacred icon in ancient Rome, and during the 2nd to 4th centuries, Romans celebrated the taurobolium, when a bull was sacrificed as an offering to ensure the well being of the people and the Roman state. The bull was also involved in the religious cult of the Mithraic mysteries, which was centered on the god Mithras and spread throughout the Roman Empire (there was even a temple to Mithras whose ruins are still visible today in the City of London). The scorpion would further tie into this myth, as it was believed that Mithras slayed a sacred bull with the help of a scorpion, along with other animals.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-prominent Daryl Kulok collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s

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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.

#165015

Piece is a repaired fragment. Missing both ears. Losses to glaze on proper left side. Chip to proper left horn. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice craquelure.