Copper-Alloy Flask with Medallions in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2010

Copper-Alloy Flask with Medallions
Byzantine
Made 500-800

Accession # 67.200.2

The medallions wrapping around the neck of this jug, which was probably used to store liquids, are decorated with images of mounted riders. Such images were associated with the Holy Rider, who warded away evil, as well as with hunters who were identified with abundance and prosperity.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.