WESTERN ASIATIC BABYLONIAN MUšHUššU HEAD SPOUT
8th-5th century BC
A ceramic vessel spout in the form of a Sirrush, with arched eyebrows, flaring nostrils and gaping mouth with large teeth and tongue; large horns to the top of the head, incised decoration over the neck. 405 grams, 13cm (5").
Condition
Fair condition.
Provenance Acquired on the UK art market; previously the property of a German collector; acquired before 1990.
Footnotes The Sirrush, meaning Splendour Serpent, is a creature depicted on the reconstructed Ishtar Gate of the city of Babylon, dating to the 6th century BC. It is depicted as a mythological hybrid scaly dragon with hind legs resembling the talons of an eagle, feline forelegs, a long neck and tail, a horned head, a snake-like tongue, and a crest.
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