Scarab Incised with Hieroglyph and Papyrus

Unknown

ca. 1580–1550 B.C. · Bright blue faience · Egyptian Art

Papyrus plants and other floral designs often decorate the underside of seal-amulets because they refer to life, renewal and regeneration. This scarab shows a three-stemmed papyrus plant with one straight stem flanked by two stems hanging down. The hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer) is placed above, reinforcing the positive power of the design.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1580–1550 B.C.

Medium

Bright blue faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920