Artwork Page for Rhyton

Details / Information for Rhyton

Rhyton

c. late 600s–early 700s

Central Asia (Sogdiana) or Tibet

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Medium
silver with gilded foil
Measurements
Overall: 30.5 cm (12 in.);
Weight: 500 g (1.1 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Clara Taplin Rankin 1988.67.3
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This drinking horn was a communal vessel which guests would pass around to share wine at parties.

Description

The form of the animal-headed rhyton as a drinking vessel and the use of silver are evidence of cultural exchange with Persia, while the lush, luxurious quality of the design and the form of the lions and curling dragon on one side of the decanter reveal an awareness of Chinese forms. Poured into the large opening at the top of the horn, wine then flowed out through the small tube held between the parted lips of a bovine-like animal. To keep from spilling, drinkers could stop the flow of the liquid by holding a thumb over the lower aperture.
A silver and gold horn-shaped vessel curves from a wide rim on our left toward a narrow point on our right. Raised silver scrolling vines, flowers, and winged creatures decorate the body over a gold background. A beaded band circles the rim, while the vessel terminates in a horned animal head with its snout pointing right. Intricate motifs are carved into the metallic surface against a dark background.

Rhyton

c. late 600s–early 700s

Central Asia (Sogdiana) or Tibet

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