Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Blue-green glazed rectangular tiles like these once decorated the walls of subterranean rooms beneath King Djoser’s Step Pyramid. As the first example of monumental stone architecture in Egypt, Djoser’s funerary complex was meant to provide the king’s spirit with an abode for eternity. The tiles imitated the hangings of reeds lashed together by horizontal cords that decorated palace walls during this king’s lifetime.
MEDIUM
Faience
DATES
ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 3
PERIOD
Early Old Kingdom
DIMENSIONS
2 3/16 x 1 7/16 x 11/16 in. (5.6 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
73.84.1
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Four bright blue faience “matting” tiles. The backs have a projecting portion which is pierced for attachment.
Condition: Some discoloration.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure, ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E. Faience, 2 3/16 x 1 7/16 x 11/16 in. (5.6 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 73.84.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.73.84.1_34.1180c-d_73.84.2_34.1180a_erg2.jpg)
IMAGE
group, CUR.73.84.1_34.1180c-d_73.84.2_34.1180a_erg2.jpg.
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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