Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull
1 of 4
Object Label
Ancient Iranian Ceramics
These ceramics demonstrate ancient Iranian artists’ interest in creating containers and other ritual instruments in the shape of mammals or birds. This tradition was of incredible duration, stretching back to about 3000 B.C.E. of the Neolithic period and lasting as late as the sixth century C.E. These shapes relate Iranian art to the customs of neighboring regions of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Central Asia where animal art also played an integral role.
Caption
Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull, ca. 1200–800 B.C.E.. Clay, 11 x 14 3/16 x 5 7/8 in. (28 x 36 x 15 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano, 2015.65.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2015.65.1_PS9.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Spouted Vessel in the Form of a Bull
Date
ca. 1200–800 B.C.E.
Period
Iron Age I-II
Geography
Place made: Marlik region, Northern Iran, Iran
Medium
Clay
Classification
Dimensions
11 x 14 3/16 x 5 7/8 in. (28 x 36 x 15 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in memory of James F. Romano
Accession Number
2015.65.1
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
You may download and use Brooklyn Museum images of this three-dimensional work in accordance with a Creative Commons license. Fair use, as understood under the United States Copyright Act, may also apply. Please include caption information from this page and credit the Brooklyn Museum. If you need a high resolution file, please fill out our online application form (charges apply). For further information about copyright, we recommend resources at the United States Library of Congress, Cornell University, Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums, and Copyright Watch. For more information about the Museum's rights project, including how rights types are assigned, please see our blog posts on copyright. If you have any information regarding this work and rights to it, please contact copyright@brooklynmuseum.org.
Frequent Art Questions
Is that symbol for something?
The bull represents strength and masculinity. This particular bull is a zebu, a type of cattle that is still common in India. The nose of the bull has been turned into a spout. This vessel likely served a ceremonial purpose and may have even held bull's urine.
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at