Lentoid Bottle ("New Year's Bottle")

Unknown

664–332 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

This is an example of a "New Year's Bottle." The short neck is in the form of a papyrus or lotus column, enhanced by two squatting apes that take the place of handles.The shoulder is adorned front and back with the representation of a floral garland, echoing the broad collar worn by Egyptians at festive occasions. On one side is a single column of inscription refering to the New Year, flanked by columns of rosettes. Faience flasks of this type, apparently filled with water from the Nile, were given as gifts at the New Year.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–332 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1940