Rating of the best wine horns for 2022

So far, ancient vessels in the form of horns for drinking alcoholic beverages have come down to people from past years. Until now, they carry a piece of courage, courage and strength. After all, it is not for nothing that even now, in order to emphasize manhood and his greatness, a horn with a drink is presented as a gift. Made of animal horns, metal or other materials, inlaid with all sorts of engravings, stones and patterns, these products will not leave anyone indifferent.

A bit of history

According to chroniclers, the most ancient vessel-horn (rhyton) was discovered more than 25 thousand years ago.These vessels were used for drinking various strong drinks in ancient times, and were also common among the Germans and Celts. In the process of feasting, horns with drinks were carried by the kravchians, passing them from hand to hand, since these items could not be placed or placed steadily on the table. Their number was limited to three or four for the entire feast. The capacity of these vessels was quite voluminous, so each of the guests could either sip a drink or drink as much as they wished.

Drinking horns became part of the tradition in the Caucasus, where during the reception of a dear guest this vessel with wine was presented to him. Having sipped or drunk the contents of the horn to the bottom, the guest accepted it as a gift, as a symbol of location and respect. It is also considered a traditional rite of these peoples to present a horn with wine to a young man on his 16th birthday, which marks his transformation into an adult man. According to this tradition, the young man must drink the contents of the vessel to the very bottom. The well-known expression "horn of plenty" also takes its roots from the history of the Caucasian peoples. In order to attract wealth and prosperity to the house, the rhyton was filled to the very brim and drunk to the last drop.

The story tells that, depending on belonging to a certain class, people drank drinks from the corresponding horns. For example, vessels made of ram's horns were intended for knights, and for representatives of the higher nobility - bison and aurochs. After some time, the popularity of these vessels increased so much that almost all of the listed animals were exterminated. And then the manufacturers of hot goods switched to metal and glass. It was in this form that most of the horn vessels were presented in many antique shops and gift shops of the last century.

The purpose of the horns-vessels

According to their purpose, these drinking vessels are divided into decorative and for direct consumption of drinks. Products for decorating the interior, presented as a gift, for the most part have coasters or “legs” in various interpretations.

For example, the so-called Gong horns found during excavations in ancient China had a snake's tail, a dragon's head, various masks, one annular “leg”, and three or four supports instead of a base. Presented by the Dresden Grunes Gevolbe Museum, the exclusive horns of German craftsmen have stands in the form of griffin birds.

Almost all horns-vessels made of natural material are masterpieces of manual art, lovingly made by experienced craftsmen. Additionally, inlaid with precious or semi-precious metal, stones or carvings, they become a unique gift for respected people.

Many owners of country hunting lodges will not fail to decorate their walls with beautiful handmade wine horns. Basically, they have a universal meaning. You can drink wine from them at the ceremonial table, and then put them back in their original place.

The most popular and valuable goods in this category are horn vessels made by Dagestan craftsmen who know better than anyone the traditions and methods of processing animal horns, as well as who are fluent in the methods of inlay, chasing and carving.

Interesting! According to the elders of the peoples who traditionally use horns for wine, their size, type, composition significantly affect the taste and aroma of the same drink.

Raw materials used

Currently, the most common raw material for making rhytons by Dagestan craftsmen is the horns of local animals. These include tours:

• Dagestan
• Kabardian,
• North Ossetian

breeds, as well as ordinary cows.

Each of the listed representatives has an individual feature, which is as follows:

• the horns of the Dagestan tur have an exquisite bend and a light tone;
• Kabardian repeat the shape of a saber;
• North Ossetian - strongly curved with a dark color.

It should be noted that twisted ram's horns are not used for the manufacture of these products, as they are inconvenient to process and use.

Manufacturing process

At first glance, the production technology of rhyton seems simple. But this impression is erroneous, since in the skillful hands of the master all operations are carried out quickly and easily. In fact, the manufacturing technology of one vessel consists of several stages, each of which is time-consuming and unique.

1. As a raw material, craftsmen use the horns of tours, bulls or cows. The initial procedure is to clean them and process the edges. To do this, the raw material is subjected to cooking, during which the internal contents soften, and it is carefully removed with a special scraper.
2. To remove the remaining film inside the horn, it is filled with boiling water.
3. The next stage is the grinding of the outer part, first with a large and then with a fine sandpaper.
4. The final treatment consists in polishing the surface with a special paste using felt circles. At the same time, it acquires a beautiful gloss and shine.
5. This is followed by the manufacture of the edging of the product using a special alloy of cupronickel or brass.
6. Then comes the time of encrusting the vessel with intricate chasing, stones, engraving or carving. Traditionally, this process involves attaching a small ball to the end of the rhyton, which serves both to fasten the chain and to smooth the point of the horn.
7. The final procedure includes fixing the decorative chain. Metal plates of various configurations with the name of the country of origin or the name of the master can be located on it.

Carrying out such goods on an individual order, the craftsmen apply unique monograms, signs, as well as personalized inscriptions.

Criterias of choice

For the correct choice of a suitable variant of the rhyton, first of all, experts recommend deciding on the purpose of the product. If the vessel is intended for drinking wine, then it is advisable to give preference to models without inlay or with silver decoration. This is justified by the fact that when using a horn with brass or cupronickel inlay during periodic exposure to liquids, the metal loses its original appearance and becomes covered with an unsightly greenish coating.

Also, before buying a product, you should pay attention to the following points:

• the rim should not have bumps and chips;
• all decorating details must be firmly connected to the main part;
• the tip should not be bent;
• at the junction of the parts there should be no smudges of the adhesive;
• there should be no significant cracks on the bone part;
• metal surfaces must be free of corrosion fragments and scratches.

Rating of the best wine horns for 2022

The most valuable and sought after, according to lovers of this category of goods, are products of Dagestan masters, distinguished by their uniqueness, high quality and exclusivity.Also among the favorites of these products are representatives of foreign manufacturers, whose models are described below.

Vessels-rhytons for wine

All drinking horns must be disinfected before being put on sale, therefore, when buying, it is recommended to check with the seller whether this procedure has been carried out for the selected model.

"Alaverdi"

This handmade model is made by a Dagestan master from a tur horn. Its length is 88 cm, and the diameter of the upper edge is 11 cm. The product is decorated with cupronickel alloy, excellent chasing and unique engraving. The product contains a bowl for drinking wine, so its application is universal.

• handmade;
• natural raw materials;
• the presence of a bowl for a drink;
• unique look.

• not found.

"Caspian"

Another representative of the elite products of the masters of Dagestan is the rhyton of the tour with a drinking bowl. A beautiful curved vessel 65 cm long with a neck diameter of 9.5 cm is made by hand. Encrusted with ornate embossing of cupronickel alloy, as well as decorated with magnificent engraving, it will be a wonderful gift for a man of any age.

• unique design;
• exclusive finish;
• handmade;
• natural raw material;
• high quality;
• the presence of a bowl for drinking.

• not detected.

"Bolnisi"

A masterpiece of Dagestan craftsmen is a wine rhyton made of natural bull horn. Hand processing of the product, as well as bone inlay and screw cutting, give it originality and magnificence. Such a product is perfect as a gift for the most sophisticated lover of exclusive items.The length of the vessel is 40 cm, and the materials used are presented in the form of cupronickel alloy, the design is chasing and engraving. Inside the horn is a bowl for wine, which makes it a universal model.

• natural raw materials;
• exclusivity of the model;
• Beautiful design;
• the presence of a bowl for a drink;
• versatility in application.

• not detected.

"Eagle"

The products of the German manufacturer Wutschka Kunsthandwerk Manufaktur are distinguished by sophistication and uniqueness. This model is made of natural horn by the hands of skilled craftsmen who have kept the secrets and traditions of the manufacturing process for many years. Not a single product is repeated in its structure. Each of them has its own unique natural pattern and color. The height of the vessel is 45 cm. It is mounted on a strong pewter base, which is at the same time a decorative detail of the entire composition. To preserve the long life of the rhyton, the outer side of the master is carefully treated with a wax coating. So that the vessel can be used for drinking wine, its inside is covered with hygienic enamel. Model "Eagle" is a great gift option for men of any age and preference.

• natural composition;
• high quality production;
• handmade;
• uniqueness of products;
• the possibility of using for drinking drinks.

• not identified.

"Gambrinus"

Also a wonderful option as a gift, as well as direct use for drinking wine, is a representative of the well-known manufacturer Artina SKS. This model will not only decorate the interior of the room, but will bring incredible delight when tasting delicious wine.Made of food tin with a volume of 0.3 liters and a length of 17 cm, the vessel is compactly and originally placed on a decorative stand made of natural wood. The material used is harmless to health and does not distort the natural taste and aroma of the poured drink. The circular openwork engraving gives a special charm to the product.

• thoughtful artistic design;
• raw material safety;
• optimal parameters;
• quality manufacturing;
• universal option.

• not found.

"Hunting"

This model is also a representative of the Austrian company Artina. A vessel of medium size, 17 cm long and with a capacity of 0.3 liters, is perfect as a men's gift for any holiday or celebration. Safe for health food tin, from which it is made, does not change the taste of wine, accurately conveys its aroma. The decorative ornament of the composition is a wooden base, decorated in an interesting artistic style. Additional grace and uniqueness of the rhyton is given by hand chasing and engraving.

• high quality production;
• beautiful appearance;
• universal model;
• does not harm health;
• does not spoil the properties of the drink.

• not detected.

"Kazbek"

Another representative of the elite products of Dagestan masters is a magnificent horn of the Caucasus tour. Made by hand and decorated with beautiful carved chasing and engraving, it will serve as a wonderful gift for a dear man on a significant date. Large dimensions, which are 82 cm in length and 11.5 cm in diameter of the upper edge, allow "Kazbek" to become not only the center of attention of others, but also to be used for its intended purpose.This is possible thanks to the cupronickel bowl located inside the horn.

• natural composition;
• unique design;
• universal application;
• representative view;
• the presence of a bowl.

• not found.

Decorative rhytons

Gift horn (medium)

Russian manufacturers also did not stand aside from the manufacture of goods of this category in a souvenir interpretation. One of the representatives of the domestic company is a medium-sized gift rhyton, which is 48 cm long and weighs 307 g. It is made of a real cow horn, decorated with a brass alloy metal inlay in two colors with an elegant engraving. As a present for a man, it symbolizes respect and prosperity.

• use of natural raw materials;
• original design;
• quality performance;
• handmade;
• exclusive product.

• suggests only a souvenir option.

Rhyton volumetric

Also, a domestic product is a gift model in the form of an inlaid ram's horn. The light weight of 307 g, the original design with cupronickel alloy and engraving turned an ordinary item into a beautiful souvenir composition. It will perfectly fit into any interior of the room, and will also become a decoration of the festive table.

• natural raw materials;
• excellent artwork;
• small but significant souvenir.

• not intended for drinking.

souvenir horn

The domestic model of the gift rhyton is very popular among middle-income consumers.Its budgetary cost, along with excellent design and the use of natural raw materials in the production process, ensures a high rating as a souvenir. High-quality cow horns, carefully hand-crafted and decorated with engraved brass alloy. This gives the products elegance and grandeur. Such a souvenir is harmoniously combined with different types of interior and embodies the hospitality and well-being of the owners.

• excellent combination of price and quality;
• natural composition;
• thoughtful design.

• gift option only.

If there is a need to congratulate a revered and respected man on a solemn event, then one of the best gifts will be just a majestic, luxurious horn made by the “golden” hands of great masters. The courage and strength laid down by them, the personification of wealth, respect and cordiality, will fully pass to a good person. But what vessel to present to the gifted (with a drinking bowl or souvenir), you decide.