PHOENIX HEAD PITCHER

Description The pitcher has a pear-shaped body, a high neck culminating in a phoenix head with a pearl in its beak, a high, flat, flared foot, and an arched loop connecting the bird's head to the shoulder of the vessel. The mouth of the vessel consists of a low, oval, flared opening above the crest of the bird. The two halves of the belly are decorated in a mold with the main figures surrounded by floral elements enclosed in a bilobed medallion: on one side, above a large peony flower, there is a galloping knight shooting with his bow, turning back; on the other, a phoenix with outstretched wings and tail, stands on its left paw above a stylized flower. The model of this vessel, which is inspired by Sogdian silver artefacts, was widespread in the 8th century.