Central Asia
1st Millennium B.C
Terracotta
H:37

The Amlash culture is known almost exclusively through the archaeological record that has come to light in recent decades. The term refers to the material culture found in the modern day provinces of Gilan and Mazadaran, in Northern Iran that was most prevalent in the early first millennium B.C, and is known for its highly skilled artisans who produced exceptional and original pottery, which characteristically depicted themes of nature.

The word “rhyton” comes from the Ancient Greek meaning “to run through” and refers to a distinct type of vessel that contains a spout and was used to pour drinks in to the mouth and libations during rituals. Normally filled through one hole, and poured through another at the opposite end, rhytons were often zoomorphic and would be made to appear as the animal was either drinking or spouting from its mouth. During the 7th and 8th centuries B.C, zoomorphic rhytons, especially in bull form, were extremely popular in North Iran and local leaders would have competed to have the largest and most ornate example .

This fine burnished terracotta examples is in the shape of a stocky bull – an animal with great importance in Ancient History and much revered. Standing on four short legs that carefully balance the body of the rhyton, its prominent back hump and straightened horns have been delicately sculpted in geometric planes, capturing the majesty of the creature through smooth, rounded and full surfaces. The vessel has a long, prominent spout through which the liquid, probably wine, would be poured during ceremonial rituals. A band of hatched linear decoration surrounds both sides of the bull’s face and neck, extending across its shoulders and front legs.