Western Asia, Persia, Tepe Giyan, Giyan III, ca. 10th to 9th century BCE. Wow! A remarkable and large example of a ceramic vessel from one of Iran's most important ancient cities. The vessel features a large, near-cylindrical lower body and a slightly rounded base. The waist is sharply delineated before the vessel slopes inward to a corseted neck, flared mouth, and slightly downturned rim. The waist and shoulder are decorated with lovely black-on-cream decoration. The waist features a wavy motif set inside two thin border lines; above that is the spread-winged bird symbol familiar throughout Iranian iconography from ancient times until today. The massive wings of the bird spread out across the shoulder, with the head turned to one side. This bird symbol is repeated on the opposite side, with the two identical birds separated by zig-zagging lightning motifs. Size: 10.25" W x 14.2" H (26 cm x 36.1 cm)

Tepe Giyan, a large mound located north of the modern city of Khorramabad in western Iran, was excavated in the 1930s, revealing 4000 years of occupation and the changing pottery styles over that time period. Its record of excavation is still a valuable tool for understanding the chronology of pottery in ancient Iran. The Giyan III period, where this large vessel comes from, is noted for its dramatic painted wares.

Provenance: private California, USA collection, USA, acquired before 2000; ex-Stair Galleries, New York, New York, USA

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#156016

Rim and upper body expertly repaired from a few large pieces, with some small areas of loss and visible adhesive. No restoration or overpaint. Loss from rim as shown. Also a tiny hole low on one side. Lovely preservation of motifs with encrusted deposits and root marks.