EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 3000-2575 B.C.

Details

AN EGYPTIAN SERPENTINITE THERIOMORPHIC VESSEL
EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 3000-2575 B.C.
In the form of a frog, the natural inclusions in the stone exploited to mimic the creature's distinguishing characteristics, the legs folded below with the feet articulated on the underside, the triangular head projecting forward, the protruding eyes incised, the vessel well hollowed, the rimmed opening centered on the amphibian's back, with two small perforated lug handles on either side
3 in. (7.6 cm.) long

Provenance

Acquired by the current owner in 1968.

Literature

J.S.N. Wright, "An Early Egyptian Vessel in the Form of a Frog" in Objets, Revue Mensuelle d'Art et D'Archeologie, vol. 4/5, Geneva, 1970.
R.A. Lunsingh Scheurleer, ed., Egypte, Eender en Anders, Amsterdam, 1984, p. 104, no. 217.

Exhibited

Amsterdam, Allard Pierson Museum, Egypte, Eender en Anders, 1984.

Brought to you by

G. Max Bernheimer

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Lot Essay

For a related example now in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, see no. 37 in Willoughby and Stanton, The First Egyptians.

For information on serpentinite and its use in Predynastic vessels, see p. 56 in Ashton, Harrell and Shaw, "Stone" in Nicholson and Shaw, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology.

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