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The Amlash culture is known almost exclusively
through the archaeological material that has
emerged in recent decades. We know little about
the people themselves, other than the fact that
they were highly skilled artists and artisans.
Otherwise, it appears that this ancient culture
once inhabited the mountainous regions
bordering the Caspian Sea in the north of
modern day Iran. According to the
archaeological record, their culture appeared to
reach its plateau during the 9th and 8th
Centuries B.C. Although we are uncertain
whether the population was native to the land or
migrated from border regions, the subject
matter of their art and pottery, which
characteristically include themes relating to
nature, is clearly linked to the art of their
contemporary neighbors including the cultures
of Luristan and Elam.
The word rhyton derives from the Greek verb
meaning “to run through.” Paintings on the sides
of Greek vases depict revelers using rhytons to
aerate and drink wine. The wine was poured into
the top of the vessel and came out from the
animal-headed spout that emerges from the
neck. This gorgeous burnished grey terracotta
rhyton was created by the Amlash culture.
During the 8th and 7th Centuries B.C., rhytons in
the form of animal heads were extremely popular
throughout Ancient Iran. No king or ruler would
have been without a rhyton, and the leaders
naturally competed with each other to have the
most beautiful and luxurious examples. This
magnificent rhyton features a wide body with a
small handle that tapers into a curved neck. The
spout has taken on the form of the head of a
female Ibex or gazelle. The majesty of this
creature has been captured by the artist, who
created this representation with an amount of
attention and detail that is normally reserved for
portraits of nobility.
- (X.0356)
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