Jar of Pepi I

Unknown

ca. 2289–2255 B.C. · Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) · Egyptian Art

The thick walls of stone vessels helped to keep cool the valuable cosmetic oils and ointments they frequently held, and their exquisite workmanship and high quality underlined the precious nature of the contents. The inscription on this vase refers to the first hebsed (a royal renewal festival celebrated ideally at 30 years of reign) of Pepi I. The name of a queen (Mery-re, perhaps short for Ankhnesmeryre, the name of two known wives) has been added secondarily below.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2289–2255 B.C.

Medium

Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. V. Everit Macy, 1923