An Egyptian Blue Faience Amphoriskos

Egypt - New Kingdom 1500 B.C.

Blue glaze, ornamented with black bands, two small loop handles.
This faience kohl vessel finely modeled and decorated to resemble a blue lotus flower. The blue lotus is a symbol of resurrection. This particular flower was held in the highest esteem, treasuring the lotus for its fragrance as well as for its habit of following the sun's lead - opening at daybreak and closing at nightfall. The blue lotus became a potent symbol of the hope for eternal life. Given this, it is likely that this petite vessel was not made for practical use but rather was placed in a temple as a special votive offering to a god.

Provenance : Madeleine Meunier collection (1921-2009), Paris, France, acquired in the years 1950-70