Cup with Lotus Decoration

ca. 1938-1539 B.C.E.

This little cup has been shaped and decorated to resemble a blue lotus (water lily). This was the flower the Egyptians loved above all others. They treasured it for its fragrance and especially for the way in which it seemed to follow the sun, opening at daybreak and closing at nightfall. The blue lotus became a potent symbol of the hope for eternal life. It is likely, therefore, that this small vessel was not made for use or as a toy but rather was placed in a temple as a gift to a god.