Parthian Ceramics
Green-glazed jar with handles and full-length figure of a deity
Green-glazed jar with handles and full-length figure of a deity
In a private collection, London.
- Shinji Fukai, Ceramics of Ancient Persia (New York: Weatherhill, 1981), figure 37
- This vases illustrates some characteristic Parthian manufacturing characteristics:
- Rim of the mouth is turned back
- Handles, which usually exhibit a twisted look, are at right angles to the body and have marks resembling the rivets on metal vessels
- Decoration of this vase typifies Parthian style:
- Incised horizontal or zigzag lines around the neck and shoulder
- Some vases are decorated with impressed points or comma shapes forming either horizontal or vertical bands around the shoulder
- Circular or rosette in relief on the handle or between the neck and the shoulder
- A clay band applied to the body with a continuous egg-shaped pattern made by pressing a finger against the band
- Molded decorations include the motif of a person's head, bust or full-length figure. Usually these are frontal views of the figures and are presented in high relief. Some of the represent gods or goddesses such as Tyche, Atargatis, Zeus and Hercules. The more interesting ones are those with Parthian warriors wearing the characteristic Parthian hair style
