Beak-spouted jug

The long, arched spout of this pouring jug encourages a flamboyant display of liquid, which would have been appropriate at important social occasions. This is a bridge-spouted jug typical of late Iron Age (production and in particular the cream-colored wares painted in red found at a cemetery at Tepe Sialk. Tepe Sialk vessels also have long spouts that are attached to the rim by a bridge, as well as the hanging triangles or "kite" motifs that flare out gracefully from the vessel neck. The "kite" motifs may have been inspired by woven textiles. This popular shape has a long lineage stretching back to 1300 BCE in western Iran. The bridge to connect the spout to the vessel's rim is a new addition seen in objects from around 800-600 BCE.