ticketsMember | Make a donation

Blue-painted Storage jar

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
The use of predominantly blue floral motifs in the decoration of terracotta vessels reached its peak during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten. The principal component of the blue pigment that was applied to ceramic vessels before firing was cobalt. Numerous examples of ceramics decorated in this style were excavated by the Museum in the palace of Amenhotep III at Malkata, in Thebes (for example 11.215.460).

This jar, datable to the middle to late reign of Akhenaten, may have held wine or beer to be served at a banquet. An elaborate polychrome floral decoration was painted on the shoulder and neck. The zigzag line around the neck, derived from the hieroglyph for water, was added to underline the presence of a cool drink inside.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Blue-painted Storage jar
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Pottery
  • Dimensions: H. 66.5 × Diam. 48 cm (26 3/16 × 18 7/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.92.2
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Sealing from a Jar with the Name of a king Amenhotep, Mud, pottery, paint
Sealing from a Jar with the Name of a king Amenhotep
ca. 1360 B.C.
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem, Painted red pottery
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
Hieratic Jar Label, Pottery
Hieratic Jar Label
ca. 1390–1353 B.C.
Blue-painted Jar from Malqata, pottery, slip, paint
Blue-painted Jar from Malqata
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Spindle Bottle with Handle, Glass
Spindle Bottle with Handle
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.