Spout in the form of a man's head

Unknown

ca. 1st–2nd century CE · Ceramic, glaze · Ancient Near Eastern Art

This spout displays the high degree of Hellenism seen in many examples of Parthian art. The mustache and beard were originally inlaid with shiny iron pyrites, pieces of which are still visible in the beard. The central parting of the hair is a distinctly Parthian feature also found on coins. The long, thin face and prominent nose suggest the likeness of an actual individual.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st–2nd century CE

Medium

Ceramic, glaze

Culture

Parthian

Department

Ancient Near Eastern Art

Credit line

Gift of Walter Hauser, 1956