Current auction A Lifetime of Discovery II Sun, Sept 27 · 1:00 PM ET Register to bid

AuctionsA Lifetime of Discovery IILot 67

Lot 67Antiquities

Ancient Iranian Terracotta Bull-Form Vessel, Probably Parthian

Estimate$1,200–$1,600

Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery II · Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern

Ancient Iranian hollow terracotta vessel modeled in the form of a standing bull, with four short legs, rounded body, raised neck and stylized facial features, the back fitted with a tubular filling aperture. The weathered surface retains extensive earthen and mineral accretions with areas revealing the reddish terracotta body. The form relates to a long tradition of zoomorphic vessels in ancient Iran, including bull-form examples associated with northwestern Iran and the Parthian period.

Size
6 in. long x 5 in. high.
Provenance
Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
Condition
Extensive age-related surface wear and accretions; losses and damage to the head and facial elements, with additional chips and losses throughout. Please refer to photographs.

Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.