Blue-glazed three-handled jar with molded human mask figure
Clay. Syria. Early 3rd century A.D. Height 29.8 cm., rim diameter 11 cm. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Kōjirō Ishiguro, Tokyo (no. A-S30). This jar with three handles is coated with blue glaze inside and out. The vertical handles are a special feature of this vessel. Decorative molded figures of human masks are seen on the neck and shoulder, but the details of the masks are not clear. In addition, the vessel is decorated with round and conical bosses. A clay belt with a chain of finger-pressed egg shapes is wrapped around the body. The overall silver color of the effloresced blue glaze is truly beautiful.
 - Shinji Fukai, Ceramics of Ancient Persia (New York: Weatherhill, 1981), plate 79
 - Photo by Bin Takahashi

This page last updated 23 Feb 2021