A finely modelled Amlash terracotta vessel, featuring a conical body with a convex base. To the top, the body leads to a short cylindrical neck and a wide mouth. The vessel sits upon a slightly flattened base. Two lug handles, each pierced through the centre, are situated on opposite sides of the vessel's long sloping shoulders. Earthly encrustations and minor scratches and chips to the surface. Repairs to the neck. The term ‘Amlash Culture’, has generally been used to designate material cultures excavated at Gilan, an archaeological site on the south shore of the Caspian sea, and refers to a group of Iron Age pottery and metal executions with a strong visual character. Most of the Amlash pottery vessels are believed to have been stylistically and typologically inspired by bronze wares of the same period. Terracotta vessels of this type were clearly designed as everyday object, but they might have been used in a particular funerary ritual and ceremonial occasion. Measurements: W 11cm x H 11.5cm Provenance: Ex. specialist Near Eastern pottery collection, London, 1990s.