Rhyton in the shape of an ibex

Rhyton in the shape of an ibex

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This ceramic rhyton in the form of an ibex comes from northwestern Iran where theriomorphic vessels were popular, especially during the later Bronze and Iron ages. This particular vessel is somewhat crude in its workmanship; it is composed of basic geometric forms, cylinders and cones, with a pouring hole fashioned in the center of the breast. The head projects in pyramid form and is more sensitively modeled than the rest of the body, with incised eyes and a triangular beard. In a manner characteristic of the work of Near Eastern artisans, the animal's horns are elongated and emphasized. The legs are unnaturally short—this may have been to insure the stability of the piece or to suit the convenience of the potter.

Ancient Near Eastern Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rhyton in the shape of an ibexRhyton in the shape of an ibexRhyton in the shape of an ibexRhyton in the shape of an ibexRhyton in the shape of an ibex

The Met's Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art cares for approximately 7,000 works ranging in date from the eighth millennium B.C. through the centuries just beyond the emergence of Islam in the seventh century A.D. Objects in the collection were created by people in the area that today comprises Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean coast, Yemen, and Central Asia. From the art of some of the world's first cities to that of great empires, the department's holdings illustrate the beauty and craftsmanship as well as the profound interconnections, cultural and religious diversity, and lasting legacies that characterize the ancient art of this vast region.