Unglazed Aquamanile in the Shape of a Composite Creature - LO.746, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 800 AD to 1100 AD, Dimensions: 14.5" (36.8cm) high, Collection: Islamic, Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Red Earthenware, This fantastic aquamanile features a zoomorphic spout with circular horns, the tail shaped as a balconied tower used to fill the container with water. The body covered with geometric patterns reminiscent of Central Asian connections. Between the spout and the tail and slightly bent transverse handle. The globular body, completely disproportionate rests on a small foot-ring. Zoomorphic vessels can be traced back to the 2nd Millennium BCE and had been continuously produced in Central Asia, especially Iran and Afghanistan. whilst all comparable examples are rather small in size, the piece here illustrated has an imposing allure, further accentuated by the presence of a fantastic caprid as a spout.

Antiquities
Ancient Asian