President brings back ancient griffin from US

IRNA – President Hassan Rohani on Saturday brought back a 2,700-year-old Persian silver drinking cup, cast in the form of a griffin (Shir Dal), dating back to Mades Dynasty from US after 10 years.

President Rohani exchanged views with US officials on return of the seized ancient vessel, known in art circles as a rhyton, to Iran on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The US officials presented the ceremonial drinking vessel belonging to the 7th century BC to Iran as a token of goodwill.

The ancient vessel had been in New York since 2003, when an art dealer smuggled it into the country from Iran.

Griffin is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagles talons as its front feet. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature.

The griffin was also thought of as king of the creatures. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.