Altägyptisch Fayence Neujahrs-'Wep Renpet'-Flasche - 59 mm

Ancient Egyptian

Provenance:

Collection passed on to me by mother (P.M.Shaw) in 2009
Given to her by
J.G.Judd who acquired the piece part of a strand of varied depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 04-02-1968. - with copy of original invoice available.

International Signed and Tracked.

This object is an ancient Egyptian faience New Year's flask.

Form & Typology

• Shape: It features a classic lentoid (lentil-shaped) body consisting of two convex, circular sides joined together by a narrow peripheral band.
• Neck and Handles: The vessel sports a signature trumpet-shaped or papyrus-umbel neck flanked by two small, arched loop handles. While many larger examples feature handles shaped like baboons (representing Thoth), this smaller variant uses simple, elegant structural loops.

• Decoration:
• One face features a highly raised central rosette/lotus motif detailed with an ochre/yellow-brown glaze overlay accenting the petals.
• The reverse face displays a complementary stylized rosette, though less highlighted by the secondary colored glaze.
• The outer rim/band is adorned with a parallel geometric border pattern.


Material & Condition

• Composition: The piece is crafted from Egyptian faience (a sintered-quartz ceramic) finished with a stunning, vibrant turquoise blue-green glaze.

• Preservation: The flask appears to be remarkably intact. The glaze retains substantial color vibrancy, and the fine network of surface crazing (crackling) is entirely consistent with ancient vitreous glazes aging over millennia. The molded details on both the rosettes and the geometric edge borders remain sharp and clear.

Historical Context

These vessels are intimately tied to the Egyptian New Year (Wep Renpet), which coincided with the late-summer arrival of the annual Nile inundation. Because the flooding replenished the arid landscape and ensured agricultural survival, it was highly celebrated. Flasks like this were filled with sacred "new water" from the flooding Nile or precious scented oils, then exchanged as festive gifts to bring good fortune and renewal for the year ahead.

Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core faience.

"Compliance with European Legislation
I, the seller, declare that I am familiar with Regulation (EU) 2019/880 and Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 (in force as of June 2025), and confirm that:
• This object was not illegally exported from its country of origin after the date on which the 1970 UNESCO Convention entered into force for that specific country.
• The object is accompanied by the documentation required by EU law for its legal import.
• I undertake to provide any required export licenses or certificates of origin to European customs authorities.

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