Two-Handled Amphoriskos

Sasanian period (AD 224-651), grave 13

Glazed terracotta

1931.157

Height: 11.3 cm

Rim diam.: 3.2 cm

Max. diam.: 7.0 cm

A dark green-blue glaze covers this two-handled terracotta amphoriskos. The foot and flat disk base remain unglazed. About 1 cm of glaze exists on the interior lip of the vessel. An incised groove runs below the glaze on the shoulder, at the same level as the lower handle attachments. The object is in good condition, although some of the glaze has faded and flaked off.

Context

Excavators discovered 103 graves in a late-period cemetery on the tepe. Many graves cut indiscriminately into the walls and floors of the earlier occupation levels. Grave 13 was the most completely preserved tomb of the vaulted mudbrick type. Two rows of mudbricks formed the floor, with sides of mudbrick on their edge. Additional mudbricks formed a corbelled vault that covered the hollow chamber (1.6 m long x 75 cm wide x 73 cm high). The interred male lay on his right side, in contracted position, facing west. A large water jar (Starr 1939, pl. 36B) was discovered behind the knee along with this amphoriskos.

Publications: Potts 1996, 323–24; Starr 1937, pls. 135C, 36B; Starr 1939, 546–47, 550–51

Original Field Catalogue Entry

29.11.161 “jar, complete, small, with handles on both sides, green glazed. Loose medium texture; grave 13; glazed flask [pencil annotation].”