<em>Cup with Lotus Decoration</em>, ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E. Faience, 1 11/16 × Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 × 4.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1275. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 35.1275_PS9.jpg)

Cup with Lotus Decoration, ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E. Faience, 1 11/16 × Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 × 4.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1275. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 35.1275_PS9.jpg)

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Cup with Lotus Decoration

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

This little cup has been shaped and decorated to resemble a blue lotus (water lily). This was the flower the Egyptians loved above all others. They treasured it for its fragrance and especially for the way in which it seemed to follow the sun, opening at daybreak and closing at nightfall. The blue lotus became a potent symbol of the hope for eternal life. It is likely, therefore, that this small vessel was not made for use or as a toy but rather was placed in a temple as a gift to a god.

MEDIUM Faience

Place Made: Egypt

DATES ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E.

DYNASTY Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13

PERIOD Middle Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 1 11/16 × Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 × 4.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 35.1275

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Cup with Lotus Decoration, ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E. Faience, 1 11/16 × Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 × 4.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1275. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 35.1275_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 35.1275_PS9.jpg., 2017

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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