Alabaster

Chest for Canopic Jars of Shoshenq I

Canopic Chest of Shoshenq I

This calcite-alabaster canopic chest and its lid were made for storing the canopic jars of Shoshenq I (943-922 BC), the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. The nomen and prenomen cartouches of Shoshenq I are carved on the surface. No trace has yet been found of the tomb of Shoshenq I. Egyptologists differ over...

The Sphinx of Memphis, 1920s

The Sphinx of Memphis, 1920s

This sphinx was unearthed in 1912 by Flinders Petrie near the remains of Memphis. It is one of the largest monuments ever made from Egyptian alabaster. Sphinxes are often guards or protectors of ancient Egyptian sacred places. Some represent kings (pharaohs), with their human faces attached to the body of a lion – an animal...

Perfume Vase of King Tutankhamun

Perfume Vase of Tutankhamun

Alabaster perfume vase upon ornamental stand, with cartouches of Tutankhamun, lotus and papyrus flowers forming a Sema Tawy (unification of the two lands) and stems as renpet (time or eternity) signs. This vase differs from others in the complicated knot that ties the various stems of the plants around its neck together. The lower part...

Tutankhamun's Triple Lamp with Lotus Shapes

Tutankhamun Triple Lamp with Lotus Shapes

This elegant triple lamp with lotus of King Tutankhamun is delicately carved, incised, and polished from one block of alabaster. The central cup is shaped like a lotus chalice, rising on a long stem, and is flanked by two smaller bud-like cups on sinuous stems, each with a leaf spreading out horizontally, as if they...

Lotus Chalice of Tutankhamun

Lotus Chalice of Tutankhamun

This chalice in the form of a lotus is decorated with a whorl of circles and sepals in low relief. The handle is a lotus flower and bud supporting the symbol of eternal life. The cup bears the names and titles of King Tutankhamun. On each side of the cup there are two birds. The...

Alabaster Boat of Tutankhamun

Alabaster Boat of Tutankhamun

This alabaster boat is supported by a square pool-shaped foundation. It is regarded one of the most magnificent artefacts in King Tutankhamun’s collection. It was discovered in the annexe of his tomb. The purpose of this artefact is unclear, although it was either an unguent bottle or a perfume holder, or it was most likely...

Alabaster Perfume Vase of King Tutankhamun

Alabaster Perfume Vase of Tutankhamun

This perfume vase of King Tutankhamun is made of four pieces of alabaster cemented together. The idea conveyed by its symbolism is that the Nile will provide the king and queen, whose names are inscribed on the vase, with its contents. The vulture with the so-called Atef crown on its head represents either goddess Mut...

Cosmetic Ibex Vase of Tutankhamun

This alabaster cosmetic vase of King Tutankhamun, which is a unique piece of art, was shaped in the form of an ibex, or goat, with real horns, one of which is missing. The eyes are inlaid and have black lids. The ears of the ibex were pierced but the earrings are missing. The back of...

Clepsydra of Karnak

Clepsydra of Karnak

The Clepsydra of Karnak has 12 carved columns of 11 false holes, corresponding to the hours of the night. The water flowed through a very small hole made in the center of the bottom, emerging on the outside under the figure of a seated baboon. This clepsydra is the oldest water clock of which there...

Tablet of Seven Oils

This tablet for the seven sacred oils was discovered in the burial chamber of Ankhhaf. The names of the oils used in the ceremonies for the dead are inscribed in black ink. Small shallow depressions for the oils were also found. The name and titles of the owner are engraved upon the tablet. During royal...