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The Rillaton Gold Cup, Early Bronze Age, 1700-1500BC
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The Rillaton Gold Cup, Early Bronze Age, 1700-1500BC
The Rillaton Gold Cup, Early Bronze Age, 1700-1500BC, from Rillaton, Cornwall, England. Rillaton barrow was excavated in 1837 and found to contain an inhumation beneath the 25m wide barrow. The burial had been placed in a stone cist and human remains were discovered along with grave goods including a bronze dagger, beads, pottery, glass and other items. The burial also contained the Rillaton Gold Cup, a biconical gold vessel, 90mm high, with a handle attached with rivets. The cup resembles a late Neolithic ceramic beaker with corded decoration. The cup is of note due to its Aegean style metalwork of the period and resembles similar finds from the Greek site of Mycenae, suggesting cultural and trading links with the Eastern Mediterranean. The cup became lost after discovery but turned up years later in the dressing room of King George V as a receptacle for his collar studs. It is now on show the British Museum, next to the similar Ringlemere Cup, though it belongs to the Royal Collection. An exact copy may be seen in the Royal Cornwall Museum at Truro
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Media ID 14852674
© CM Dixon / Heritage-Images
Ancient City Bronze Age Cornwall Mycenae Mycenaean Corrugated Early Bronze Age Groove Mike Dixon
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The Rillaton Gold Cup - A Glimpse into Ancient Connections
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print showcases the remarkable Rillaton Gold Cup, a precious artifact from the Early Bronze Age (1700-1500BC) discovered in Rillaton, Cornwall, England. Unearthed during an excavation in 1837 at Rillaton barrow, this ancient burial site revealed not only human remains but also a treasure trove of grave goods. The star of this archaeological find is undoubtedly the biconical gold vessel known as the Rillaton Gold Cup. Standing at a mere 90mm high, it boasts intricate Aegean-style metalwork that hints at cultural and trading links with the Eastern Mediterranean. Its resemblance to similar cups found in Greece's Mycenae further strengthens these connections. Interestingly, after its initial discovery, fate led this extraordinary cup to be lost for some time. However, it resurfaced years later in King George V's dressing room serving as an unexpected receptacle for his collar studs. Today, visitors can marvel at this historic masterpiece displayed alongside the strikingly similar Ringlemere Cup at the British Museum. While an exact replica can be admired at Truro's Royal Cornwall Museum, it is important to note that this particular piece belongs to the esteemed Royal Collection. This photograph print serves as a testament to both our fascination with ancient civilizations and their enduring legacy throughout history.
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