Marsh Bowl

Unknown

ca. 1479–1458 B.C. · Faience, paint · Egyptian Art

The bowl's interior is decorated with a pool surrounded by blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) and papyrus flowers. The underside shows the petals and sepals of an open lotus. These motifs symbolize the themes of fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Shrines dedicated to Hathor produced large quantities of such bowls, some of which have decoration that clearly symbolizes the goddess; others, like this one, bear patterns that are more general. The bright blue color reinforces the importance of the gift to Hathor, "Lady of Turquoise."

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Medium

Faience, paint

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922