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Toilet Spoon with Bowl in Shape of a Cartouche

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

The cartouche-shaped bowl of this spoon is incised with a scene showing a pond or an artificial pool. Within the water swim three bolti-fish; lotus flowers and buds rise from the water's edge. Each of these images relates to the Egyptians' belief in rebirth after death. The elegant handle consists of three lotus plants that join to form the neck and head of a duck.

MEDIUM Wood, paste
  • Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1336–1295 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY late Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 2 3/8 x 9 3/16 in. (6 x 23.3 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.616E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Paste inlays
    CAPTION Toilet Spoon with Bowl in Shape of a Cartouche, ca. 1336–1295 B.C.E. Wood, paste, 2 3/8 x 9 3/16 in. (6 x 23.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.616E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.616E_NegC_glass_bw_SL4.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 37.616E_NegC_glass_bw_SL4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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