An Achaemenid Rhyton

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

In antiquity, the rhyton is a usual object also intended for libation or for liturgy. It is a horn-shaped funnel, in which the liquid to drink is placed. It is an interesting example of a utensil for which the primitive man imitated an animal attribute but adapted its use. In the most beautiful models, the opening is closed by a sculpted figure.

On November 27 in Paris (Hôtel Drouot), Boisgirard sells a rhyton of Achaemenid period. Dating back to some 2500 to 2600 years ago, it was a contemporary of the Persian Empire founded by Cyrus the Great.

This piece, estimated 160 K€, is made in silver. Its size is typical for this type of utensil: 25 cm. The horn is finely carved with geometric designs and a small frieze of animals. It ends at the bottom, as required, by a nice sculpture showing a squatting calf.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Good results have been recorded in this sale. Among them, our rhyton exceeded its low estimate, being sold at 210K € including premium. An element of sarcophagus on the theme of Hercules' labours was sold 680K € including premium.

I introduce a small correction: the animal that graces the rhyton as a protome is a ram, not a calf, according to the catalog and to the press releases.