Standing at a towering height of 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and spanning 2.1 meters (84.2 inches) in width, the protective and blessing genie from Khorsabad, formerly Dur-Sharrukin, represents a monumental masterpiece unearthed during excavations conducted by Paul-Emile Botta and Victor Place between 1843 and 1854. These excavations revealed orthostats—carved slabs that adorned and fortified the base of brick walls within the ancient site.
This awe-inspiring sculpture portrays a winged genie with a frontal face, prominently positioned in the inner passage of one of the city gates. Across from it stands a symmetrical counterpart, both flanking the human-faced winged bulls that vigilantly guard the gate. Serving not only as a guardian but also as a bestower of blessings, the genie holds a pine cone from which liquid, drawn from a small bucket, is ceremoniously sprinkled over the passage and its visitors