Strikingly similar to the Romano-Egyptian Ram currently in the Met (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545209) this piece depicts a ram, with a highly textured and naturalistically modelled coat, curled horns and a static forward pose. Crafted from faience, a substance which is not quite clay and not quite glass, but comprised of quartz or sand and calcite lime which develops a bright blue or turquoise colour during firing.

Exhibited

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Published

Antiquities and Islamic Art, Sotheby’s, New York, 18th June 1991, Lot 46.

Provenance

With Dikran Kelekian (1867-1951), Paris, prior to 1951.
With Piero Tozzi (1882-1974) Galleries, New York.
Sold at: Antiquities and Islamic Art, Sotheby’s, New York, 18th June 1991, Lot 46.
With David Aaron Ltd, acquired from the above sale.

Sold