Research Reporter: Functional Art Today

K–12 Resource: Researching

Research the use of functional art in the ancient world and today

Title

Stag Rhyton

Artist/Maker

Unknown

Date

100–1 B.C.

Medium

Gilt silver and glass

Dimensions

Object: 27.5 × 46 × 12.7 cm (10 13/16 × 18 1/8 × 5 in.)

Place

Eastern Seleucid Empire

Object Type

Rhyton Vessel

Credit Line

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 86.AM.753

About

Learning Objectives

In this activity, you will:

  • Understand and explain functional art.
  • Research and present on examples of functional art.

Time

  • 30 – 60 mins

Assignment

Explore Stag Rhyton

Look closely at the image of the Stag Rhyton. Zoom in to study its details and decorations.

Read Explore Stag Rhtyon to learn more about this object and the ways that art can also be functional.

Research Functional Art

Write or discuss your answers to the following questions using the information you read and Internet research.

  • What is functional art?
  • When do everyday functional objects become functional art objects?
  • Find at least two other examples of functional art, including one that is contemporary. Which one is your favorite?
  • If you could design a functional art object to use at a group gathering, what would it be? Why?

Share Your Findings

Share what you learned by creating a short slide presentation, a poster, or by writing a one-page explanation.

Glossary

Functional art

Object intended for an everyday purpose but decorated with elements unnecessary for its function and intended to be attractive or thought-provoking.

Related Materials

  1. Explore Stag Rhyton

    Close Looking

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Look closely at an example of ancient functional art and make informed guesses about what you observe

  2. Video: Stag Rhyton

    Watch a Video

    Thumbnail featuring a statue of a drinking vessel with a stag decoration with text that reads: Stag Rhyton, Getty.

    Watch a video about a beautiful drinking vessel and ultimate ancient status symbol

  3. Design a Functional Art Object

    Drawing

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Design a functional art object to use at a special event or gathering

  4. Draw a Zoomorphic Functional Object

    Drawing

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Take inspiration from a 2,500-year-old masterpiece to design your own animal-form object

Related Standards

Credits and Licensing

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