Accession Number1960/1.134
TitleSeated figure with tripartite crown
Artist(s)IranianArtist NationalityIranianObject Creation Date10th centuryMedium & SupportterracottaDimensions 4 3/4 in. x 2 3/4 in. x 2 3/8 in. ( 12 cm x 7 cm x 6 cm )
Credit LineMuseum PurchaseSubject matterSimilar figurines have been found at the excavations at Wasit, published by F. Safar. They were discovered in the Ilkhanid levels of Sounding No. 5; the clay is fine-grained, buff or slightly pink.
The figurines represent various personanages: musicians, dancers, etc. The entire hoard seems to have belonged to a toy-shop and were probably
banat, used in some game, the theme of which was the banquet.
Physical DescriptionThe moulded head of the terracotta figurine represents a royal personnage. He wears a three-lobed crown, spherical earrings, and a necklace. He is seated with his legs bent from the hips at right angles to the upper part of the body. The legs are crossed and thus form a circular base which allows the essentially two-dimensional figure to remain erect. The assembling of the limbs was apparently done after the figurine had been cast.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object TypefigureAdditional Object Classification(s)CeramicCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Iranian
Iraqi Islamic
Islamic (culture or style)
Seljuk
Seljuk pottery styles
figures (representations)
sitting
terracotta (clay material)
terracottas (sculptural works)