Lotus Cup
GEM Number
36
Collection
Tutankhamun Galleries
Period
New Kingdom
Dynasty
18
Description
The central part of this footed cup is in the form of an open white lotus flower on a stem. Two handles in the form of blue lotus flowers and buds, support baskets carrying kneeling figures of Heh, god of eternity, who holds ankh (life) signs and palm branches (years) resting on tadpoles (one hundred thousand) and shen (infinity) signs. These mean the cup wishes everlasting life for the king. An inscription around the rim says ‘May your ka (soul) live, may you pass millions of years, you who love Thebes, sitting with your face towards the north wind, your eyes beholding happiness’.
Region
Upper Egypt
Area
Luxor
Alabaster
Height
18.2 cm
Width
17.3 cm
Length
28.5 cm