H 11.2 cm; D 9 cm; Weight 449 g. Silver gild.
First half of 4th c. BC
Photo: NAIM-BAS archive 

In 2022 we celebrate 130 years since the establishment of the National Archaeological Museum. Among the exhibits, part of the first exposition of the Museum, are the finds from the village of Rozovets (Rahmanliy), Plovdiv region.

Such is the rhyton discovered in 1878 in the Yuznata mogila mound by the village of Rozovets. 

The rhyton is a vessel directly associated with the Thracian aristocracy and the local royal ideology. It has an opening in its lower part that served for pouring. The example belongs to the short-necked type and terminates in a deer's head. Part of its back is missing, and the animal’s forehead is damaged. Figured friezes run around the neck, representing Dionysus' thiasus – two dancing satyrs and a third one carrying a krater on one shoulder. Behind the figures, there is a large ivy garland surrounding the entire neck. The animal’s head is modelled with great skill and in a realistic manner. The eyes were probably inlaid, while the ears were made separately and later attached. There is a small piercing on the lower lip for pouring the liquid. The vessel lip, the garland, the tree figures and the inner part of the ears was gilded. The rhyton is among the most valuable examples of ancient toreutics. 

Bibliograpy:

Венедиков, Герасимов 1973: И. Венедиков, Т. Герасимов. Тракийското изкуство. София, 1973. № 121, 122. 

Филов 1934: Б. Филов. Надгробните могили при Дуванлий в Пловдивско. София, 1934, 166-169, обр. 182-183. 

Маразов 1978: И. Маразов. Ритоните в Древна Тракия. София, 1978, 70-74.