RHYTON
Period: Western Han period (206 BC - AD 9).
Medium: Nephrite jade.
Colour: Yellowish green.
Dimensions: H. 19 cm.; W. 13 cm.; D. 9.5 cm.
The rhyton or drinking cup is very elegant. It is designed in the form of a phoenix with wings uplifted to gently hold the cup. The mouth flares open with a delicate curl at the back and another flowing from the mouth of the vessel.
The entire cup is covered in low-relief patterns of delicate curls and spirals.
A sinuous mythical horned animal with a bifurcated tail crawls up the back of the cup and curlicues protrude down from the curling lip. 
