A Large Ceramic Zoomorphic Pouring Vessel , Near East, Amlash, circa 1000 B.C.E.

This Large Ceramic Zoomorphic Pouring Vessel, originating from Amlash, Near East, circa 1000 B.C.E., is a remarkable example of ancient craftsmanship and symbolism.

Shaped in the form of a bull, this vessel, also referred to as a rhyton, was used for serving wine during rituals or ceremonial feasts. The bull, a symbol of strength, fertility, and abundance in Near Eastern cultures, is depicted in a seated position with its legs folded beneath its body.

The vessel features a gray slip finish, giving it a smooth and refined surface. A prominent basket handle arches gracefully from the bull's back to the vessel’s lip, allowing for easy handling. The pouring spout, cleverly positioned between the bull's front legs, showcases both functionality and artistry, making this vessel as practical as it is visually captivating.

L. 40 cm

Dating to circa 1000 B.C.E., this vessel belongs to the Iron Age, a period of innovation and cultural flourishing in the Near East.

The Amlash culture, located in present-day northern Iran, is renowned for its finely crafted ceramics, which often featured zoomorphic and symbolic designs.

These vessels were frequently used in ceremonial or ritual contexts, reflecting the importance of wine in ancient religious and social practices.

The vessel is crafted from ceramic with a gray slip finish, a fine coating that enhances its smooth texture and appearance. Ceramic was a widely used material in the ancient Near East due to its durability, versatility, and ability to hold liquids, making it ideal for functional and ceremonial objects.

The Private Collection of the Baidun Family
Mahmoud Baidun (1920-1980) founded what would become Khader M Badiun and Sons Galleries in Jerusalem, Israel. As a young boy, Mahmoud would accompany archeologists, biblical scholars, and visiting delegations on excavation sites all over Jerusalem and other sites within the country. Earning the trust of scholars and archeologists alike, Mahmoud became an indispensable presence and guide to other visiting scholars. When Mr. Baidun entered the antiquities trade, he would be granted trade license under the British Mandate and from the Hashemite Kingdom. When Israel authorized the trade of antiquities, Mahmoud was issued one of the first antiquities licenses issued in the country. He would later forge close relationships with other merchants; slowly building a massive private collection that would go on to sell to political leaders, international museums, and private collectors globally.