Feeding cup for infant
Unknown Artist
ca. 1950–1850 B.C.
Medium
Pottery
Dimensions
h. 5 cm (1 15/16 in); diam. 7.8 cm (3 1/16 in)
Classification
Cup, feeding
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1909
Accession Number
09.180.768c
Art Historical Context
This delicate pottery feeding cup, dating to the early to mid-12th Dynasty of Egypt Middle Kingdom (ca.1950–1850 B.C.), offers a touching glimpse into ancient family life. Standing just 5 cm tall with a diameter of 78 cm, its small size was perfectly suited for infants, likely used to dispense milk, gruel, or other nourishing liquids. Crafted from everyday pottery—a staple medium in ancient Egypt—this utilitarian object highlights the practical artistry of the period, where potters employed wheel-throwing or coiling techniques to create functional vessels that were both durable and accessible....