rhyton
(noun)
A container, having a base in the form of a head, from which fluids are intended to be drunk
(noun)
A large ceremonial drinking cup fashioned in the shape of an animal's head.
Examples of rhyton in the following topics:
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The Neopalatial Period
- Bulls are often depicted in mural frescoes and many bull figurines and rhytons have been excavated .
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Mycenaean Ceramics
- Rhytons are elaborate and decorative drinking cups that often take the shape of animals.
- Several Mycenaean rhytons have been excavated, and include one in the shape of a boar's head and another in the shape of a bull's head.
- The bull-headed rhyton may have been influenced by or intended for trade with the Minoans.
- Both of these rhytons are conically shaped and are painted in a single color with abstract shapes and defining features, such as ears and eyes.
- Describe the figurines, rhytons, kraters and other ceramic objects made by the Mycenaeans.
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Mycenaean Metallurgy
- A silver rhyton called the Silver Siege Rhyton was likely used for ritual libations.
- The Silver Siege Rhyton is unique for its depiction of a siege.
- The scene is only preserved on a portion of the rhyton, but a landscape of trees and a fortress wall are clearly recognizable.
- A third rhyton in the form of a bull's head, like the dagger above, suggests a similarity with the Minoan culture.
- The rhyton consists primarily of silver with gold-leaf accents.
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Art of the Persian Empire
- The gold rhyton below, which bears a stylized ram's head in relief, dates to the Achaemenid period.