Ancient Egyptian Faience New Years 'Wep Renpet' Flask - 59 mm
04
days
17
hours
52
minutes
41
seconds
Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 750 - € 900
 | €100 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €56 | |
| €53 | |
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Ancient Egyptian faience New Years 'Wep Renpet' Flask in excellent condition, with a lentoid body, papyrus-umbel neck and two small arched handles.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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.
Disclaimer for Experts and Platforms.
This declaration is provided by the seller under their sole responsibility. The seller confirms knowledge of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 and all applicable laws concerning the sale and import of cultural goods.
Neither the platform nor its experts are liable for the accuracy, legality, or authenticity of the documents and statements provided.
Acceptance of the object on the platform does not imply legal validation of its importation or authentication.
The buyer is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs laws in their country."
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.
Disclaimer for Experts and Platforms.
This declaration is provided by the seller under their sole responsibility. The seller confirms knowledge of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 and all applicable laws concerning the sale and import of cultural goods.
Neither the platform nor its experts are liable for the accuracy, legality, or authenticity of the documents and statements provided.
Acceptance of the object on the platform does not imply legal validation of its importation or authentication.
The buyer is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs laws in their country."
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
1069 BC - 30 BC
Name of object
New Years 'Wep Renpet' Flask
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2009
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
59 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1968
Width
41 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
