Artheon MuseumArtheonMuseum

Bowl

Unknown Artist

ca. 1878–1749 B.C.

Bowl by Unknown Artist

Medium

Anhydrite

Dimensions

H. 3.4 cm (1 5/16 in.); Diam. 9.7 cm (3 13/16 in.)

Classification

Bowl

Period

Middle Kingdom

Department

Egyptian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1904

Accession Number

04.18.49

Art Historical Context

This delicate bowl, crafted around 1878–1749 B.C. during Egypt's Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty to early Dynasty 13), the refined artistry of ancient Egyptian stoneworkers. Measuring just 3.4 cm high and 9.7 cm in diameter, its shallow, open form was ideal for holding precious oils, cosmetics, or ritual offerings—items central to daily life and religious practices in a period of political stability and cultural flourishing. Carved from anhydrite, a fine-grained variety of gypsum often revered as "Egyptian alabaster," the vessel showcases the material's prized translucency and workability. Arti...

    Send Feedback

    We use this only to reply to your feedback.