The origins of the rhyton Rhytons were common in the ancient Near East. However, the first animal-shaped vases seem to have been made in Anatolia early in the 2nd millennium, at the time of the Assyrian trading posts (Louvre, CA 1884). But it was in the 8th century BC that this type of beaker began to become popular in Assyria, as can be seen in the reliefs from Sargon’s palace in Khorsabad. The murals depict courtiers drinking from lion-headed cups. Rhytons dating from the 7th century BC have also been found in Iranian Kurdistan, in the region of Ziwiye: two are made of terra-cotta while others are in silver, with a very stylized body (Louvre, ao27909). This stylization heralded the rhytons of the Achaemenid period, which typically have a horn-shaped cup, like this one. Another rhyton in the Louvre (ao3115) is characteristic of classical Achaemenid art in the treatment of the animal, especially at the shoulders. They are decorated with a double ring pattern also found on the enameled bricks of Darius the Great’s palace in Susa. Ancient Horn Bronze Ram Head Ryton Meso Culture Statue Vessel Vase
