Parthian Silver Rhyton with a Caracal Cat and a Fowl, Late 1st century B.C.E., H. 27 cm. © Miho Museum

This stunning rhyton or drinking horn depicts the protome (forepart) of a desert lynx (caracal cat, Felis caracal), clutching a desperate cockerel in his paws. This object was made in two major parts - the horn and separately manufactured protome of the lynx and bird. According to Pieter Meyers, The beaker section is hammered from one piece of silver, with some period additions of silver alloy. The protome or section with the animals, is also hammered from one piece of silver, with the right wing and head of the fowl soldered on as cast elements. Gilding is used to highlight the trapped bird, but also appears on the eyes, inner ears and collar of the cat. As M. Pfrommer pointed out, the collar on the lynx suggests that a tamed animal, possibly used for hunting, is depicted here. Pfrommer further indicated that, although the theme is based on an Achaemenid concept, the style follows Greek standards, without the slightest reference to Achaemenid style, making it a telling example of the craftsmanship from the Hellenized Near East.