Dish

Art Historical Context

This delicate pottery dish hails from early Dynasty 18 of Egypt's New Kingdom, dating to around 1492–1473 B.C. Crafted during a time of royal splendor under pharaohs like Thutmose I and Hatspsut, it reflects the era's burgeoning prosperity and artistic confidence. The New Kingdom marked Egypt's imperial height, with grand temples and tombs showcasing refined craftsmanship that extended even to everyday objects like this one. Measuring just 12 cm in diameter and 3. cm high, the dish is a modest yet eloquent survivor of ancient life. Made of pottery—a staple medium in Egyptian households and rituals—its simple form likely served practical purposes, such as holding food, cosmetics, or offerings to the gods. Wheel-thrown techniques were common then, allowing for precise shapes that balanced utility with subtle elegance. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1936 and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art department, this unadorned vessel whispers of the daily rhythms beneath Egypt's monumental legacy, inviting us to ponder the hands that once held it.