Description:

Central Asia, Bactrian, ca. early 1st millennium BCE. A handsome, rare example of a ceramic askos - a vessel with a flat shape and spout at one end - in the form of a seated ram. The body is long and ovoid, without legs as if they are curled up beneath it. A small tail projects out the back. The spout is formed by the animal's head, which has two round discs on its sides forming curled horns, a flat face, and a snout with a round opening for pouring at its end. The surface is decorated with incised dots and lines in triangular and linear patterns around the back, face, neck, and lower body. The ram was a symbol of virility and power in the ancient world. Size: 4" L x 7.75" W x 4.3" H (10.2 cm x 19.7 cm x 10.9 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s

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#143881

  • Condition: Head has been reattached and restored, with overpaint covering the break line. Small loss near tail. Otherwise in good condition with light deposits in lower profile areas.

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February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000