Scarab Decorated with a Lotus Flower

Unknown

ca. 1550–1295 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

The base of this scarab shows a lotus flower with three finely engraved petals, and two buds hanging down on either side. The theme of the single lotus was introduced on scarabs during the First Intermediate Period and becomes particularly prevalent on Dynasty 18 scarabs (ca. 1550-1295 B.C.). In later periods, the lotus flower will sporadically reappear as a single motif decorating the underside of scarabs, albeit in a less delicately executed style. This scarab is made of blue faience. There are different methods to manufacture seal-amulets in this material and the use of molds was certainly one of the most effective. Clay molds to produce seal-amulets with this design were found, for instance, at Amarna.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1295 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910