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Egyptian Jug and Lid Based on Cypriot Bilbil

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Cypriot jugs called bilbils seem to have been used to export opium, but Egyptian carvers adopted the familiar long-necked, round-bodied vessel to hold oils and other liquids.

An ancient example from Cyprus is also exhibited in this case.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1514-1400 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 6 1/16 x Diam. 4 7/8 in. (15.4 x 12.4 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.252Ea-b
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Alabaster jug (a) and lid (b). The outer surface of the handle is decorated with grooved and incised lines. Condition: Interior contains some organic materials. Surface dull and pitted; surface powdery in spots.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Egyptian Jug and Lid Based on Cypriot Bilbil, ca. 1514-1400 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 6 1/16 x Diam. 4 7/8 in. (15.4 x 12.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.252Ea-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.252Ea-b_erg2.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.37.252Ea-b_erg2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 10/27/2008
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