Rishi coffin of Puhorsenbu

Unknown

ca. 1580–1479 B.C. · Sycomore wood, stucco, paint · Egyptian Art

The Arabic word "rishi," meaning feathered, is used to describe a group of coffins made in the Theban area during Dynasty 17 and early Dynasty 18. This coffin is a particularly fine example of the type. Special care has been taken with the modeling of the face, which has been painted a delicate pink. The feather pattern has become an abstract design, as has the broad collar, whose strands of beads echo the contour of the vulture pendant making the bird's wings appear to extend up the mummy's shoulders. For other examples of rishi coffins see also 12.181.299–12.181.301; 30.3.4–30.3.6.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1580–1479 B.C.

Medium

Sycomore wood, stucco, paint

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1930