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Artwork Page for Rhyton

Details / Information for Rhyton

Rhyton

c. late 600s–early 700s
Part of a set, view all set records
silver with gilded foil
Overall: 30.5 cm (12 in.)
Weight: 500 g (1.1 lbs.)
Gift of Mrs. Clara Taplin Rankin 1988.67.3
Location: On view at Hong Kong Palace Museum Limited, Hong Kong, Mar 19, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
Public Domain
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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.

Rhyton

c. late 600s–early 700s

Central Asia (Sogdiana) or Tibet

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