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Ring with Six Scarabs

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
Jewelry

Glass and faience were both difficult materials for making jewelry.


Eighteenth Dynasty artisans frequently created glass reproductions of traditional metal and stone forms. These early glassworkers, still perfecting their skills, often reduced intricate details like inscriptions to simple lines.

Late Eighteenth Dynasty faiencemanufacturers produced mold-made rings inscribed with royal names. Because these pieces were too fragile to have been worn, they were most likely distributed as royal keepsakes at state occasions.
MEDIUM Gold, glass, faience
  • Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1353–1292 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 13/16 in. (2 cm) Other (Largest scarab): 1/8 x 1/4 x 1/4 in. (0.3 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm) The other scarabs all measured in gold mounts.: 3/16 x 3/16 x 3/16 in. (0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4 cm) Other (Inner diameter of ring): 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.718E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Gold finger ring, set with six minute scarabs in green glass.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Ring with Six Scarabs, ca. 1353–1292 B.C.E. Gold, glass, faience, 13/16 in. (2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.718E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.718E_NegA_SL4.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, unedited master file, 37.718E_NegA_SL4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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