Shu
Unknown Artist
332–30 B.C.
Medium
faience
Dimensions
H. 10.6 cm (4 3/16 in.); W. 7.2 cm (2 13/16 in.); D. 3.4 cm (1 5/16 in.)
Classification
Shu
Period
Ptolemaic Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1953
Accession Number
53.122
Art Historical Context
Behold the delicate faience figurine of *Shu*, a masterful creation from Egypt's Ptolemaic Period (332–30 B.C.), when Greek rulers blended with ancient traditions. Standing just 10.6 cm tall, this vibrant blue-green glazed ceramic captures the god of air and wind, a primordial deity who separated the sky goddess Nut from the earth god Geb, ensuring cosmic balance. Crafted by an unknown artist, its compact dimensions (H. 10.6 cm; W. 7.2 cm; D. 3.4 cm) suggest it served as a votive offering or personal amulet, invoking Shu's protective breath of life. Faience, a signature Egyptian medium of cru...