A finely modelled Amlash red terracotta bowl, featuring a prominent tubular-spout resembling a bird’s beak and a spiked looped handle, horizontally applied to the rim. The vessel’s shallow hemispherical container rises from a rounded base and displays gentle convex walls. The bowl has two spiked protrusions to the rim, reminiscent of stylised bird wings. One of the spikes has been previously repaired and broke again, with a reinforcing metal piece visible. The surface is decorated with hatched scratches. Earthly encrustations and scratches to the surface. The term ‘Amlash Culture’, has generally been used to designate material cultures excavated at Gilan, 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. Among the greatly varied zoomorphic repertories that were prevalent during the 1st millennium BC, representations of birds were the most favoured designs, frequently used to adorn pottery vessels. The presence of zoomorphic legs, as seen on this fine piece, are typical of Amlash culture. Vessels as this object were probably used as ritual objects for special occasions. Measurements: L 24.5cm x W 18.2cm Provenance: Ex. specialist Near Eastern pottery collection, London, 1990s.