Bull's Head Cup with separable liner

Formed in the shape of a young bull's head, this cup is actually composed of two pieces: the shaped outer body and a removable inner liner. The outer body was hammered from a single sheet of silver with repoussé and stamped details. The horns, mouth, garland, and the tear ducts of the eyes are gilt, while the remainder of the eyes was inlaid with glass paste. The garland tied around the neck and the gilding of the horns mark this bull as a sacrificial animal.

In the Hellenistic period, the use of luxurious gold and silver tableware was a feature of aristocratic life. Opulent vessels combining silver and gold for the color contrast, such as this cup, were especially desirable. Although many vessels in the form of animal heads or with separable liners are known, this vessel, with its combination of these elements, is unique.