LATE ELAMITE BRONZE RHYTON WITH RAM PROTOME

Ca. 800 - 500 BC. A hollow-cast bronze rhyton formed with an elongated ovoid reservoir terminating in the sculptural protome of a ram. The animal?s head is rendered with a tapering muzzle, circular eyes and prominently modelled horns, while a small aperture beneath the mouth provided the outlet through which the liquid was dispensed. A raised collar separates the protome from the body, and the opposite end terminates in a broad flaring rim through which the vessel could be filled. The form continues the ancient Near Eastern tradition of animal-headed pouring vessels and is probably associated with the Iranian sphere during the Iron Age or early Achaemenid period. Size: 220mm x 80mm; Weight: 610g Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly H.G. collection; acquired from A. Kotllar, Paris, French art market, 1970?2006.