**Originally Listed At $950**

Medieval Middle East/Central Asia, Persia, modern day Turkey, Seljuk (Seljuq) Empire, ca. 11th to 12th century CE. An intricately sculpted pottery architectural element of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic form with three sides. The front features an adorable mouflon biting its tail, in a type of ouroboros design; below two large eye-like shapes and above three openwork avian-esque designs encircling a crowned visage. The entire front design is surrounded by a long ovoid border that acts as a ribbon, looping at each corner to form petaloid shapes. The border itself is decorated with wavy lines and dots. Both narrow sides are embellished with Persianized Arabic script (the official language of the Seljuk Empire). This beautiful piece was likely attached to the support column of a palace or mosque. Boasting a lovely natural hue of light terracotta, this example is an intriguing and artistically rich piece from Seljuk culture! Size: 3.375" L x 2" W x 7.75" H (8.6 cm x 5.1 cm x 19.7 cm)

The mouflon, a type of curved-horn sheep native to the Indus Valley region, is an ancient animal that is symbolic of heartiness, perseverance, and stubbornness due to its tenacious nature.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#159754

Bottom and top edges have been repaired. Expected nicks/chips, stable hairline fissures, and very light fading of detail. Otherwise, excellent with lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas.