Relief-Decorated Bowl
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Object Label
The base of this bowl is adorned with a lotus flower and the body with a procession of cows, possibly symbols of the goddess Hathor, through a setting of lotus flowers. Although it was once claimed for Dynasty XVIII (circa 1539–1295 B.C.), the vessel is more likely a work of Dynasty XXV It once had a blue-green glaze and is much restored.
Caption
Egyptian. Relief-Decorated Bowl, ca. 775–653 B.C.E.. Faience, 7 5/16 x 7 7/8 in. (18.5 x 20 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 74.98.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.98.1_SL1.jpg)
Culture
Title
Relief-Decorated Bowl
Date
ca. 775–653 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 25 (possibly)
Period
Third Intermediate Period
Geography
Possible place made: Egypt, Possible place made: Sudan, Sudan (ancient Nubia)
Medium
Faience
Classification
Dimensions
7 5/16 x 7 7/8 in. (18.5 x 20 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
74.98.1
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
You may download and use Brooklyn Museum images of this three-dimensional work in accordance with a Creative Commons license. Fair use, as understood under the United States Copyright Act, may also apply. Please include caption information from this page and credit the Brooklyn Museum. If you need a high resolution file, please fill out our online application form (charges apply). For further information about copyright, we recommend resources at the United States Library of Congress, Cornell University, Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums, and Copyright Watch. For more information about the Museum's rights project, including how rights types are assigned, please see our blog posts on copyright. If you have any information regarding this work and rights to it, please contact copyright@brooklynmuseum.org.
Frequent Art Questions
Can you tell me more about this bowl?
The angle you sent shows a cow with stalks of papyrus in the background. In ancient Egypt, cows were a potent symbol of fertility! One of the most prominent goddesses, Hathor, was often depicted with the head of a cow.Papyrus stalks were a symbol of Lower Egypt (which is actually Northern Egypt) since they grew there in abundance.The papyrus plant was linked with concepts of growth and rejuvenation! It's likely the bowl was reserved for use on special occasions given the level of decoration.I see. Thank you!
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