Silver Rhyton authenticity leading to the head of a female lion attributed to the Achaemenid period in the Hegmataneh Museum based on a comparative study

Achaemenid rhytons as one of the most important archaeological data adorn many museums around the world. However, many of these rhytons have not been obtained from scientific archaeological excavations, so their study is of particular importance in terms of originality. In this regard, laboratory studies to determine the certainty are still in their infancy, and on the other hand, forgery methods have become more advanced with the development of technology; Therefore, technology and comparative studies are still one of the most important and appropriate ways to identify the authenticity of historical monuments, including Achaemenid rhytons. In this regard, the present article tries to focus on the confiscated rhyton of Silver, which leads to the head of a female milk belonging to the Achaemenid period in the Hegmataneh Museum, while analyzing the commonalities and differences between the rhyton discussed and other similar examples in this period. Historical (originality) test of this sample with a descriptive-analytical approach (typology, construction techniques and decorative arrays). The results of the selection and representation of decorative arrays indicate that the role of rhyton motifs in question lacks proportions and style of Achaemenid art. On the other hand, the location of the details of the single motifs also showed the incompatibility with the Achaemenid style. The findings can confirm the non-authenticity or non-belonging of the rhyton leading to the female lion of the Hegmataneh Museum to the Achaemenid period.