Central Asia (Sogdiana) or Tibet / c. late 600s–early 700s
Rhyton
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Rhyton as silver (Central Asia (Sogdiana) or Tibet · c. late 600s–early 700s).
This drinking horn was a communal vessel which guests would pass around to share wine at parties.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this silver as silver with gilded foil.
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtRhytonOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.