Egyptian, Late Dynasty 20 (1186-1069 B.C.)

With its fragile, remarkably thin walls and crisp designs symbolizing birth, death, and eternity, this elegant cup was probably used only for pouring out ritual offerings of wine, milk, or water. Its form resembles the Egyptian blue lotus, a symbol of rebirth.

First made about 5000 B.C., faience (FY-ahns) is a glazed non-clay ceramic made of sand and small amounts of lime and natron, which can be shaped by hand or with a mold. The shiny surface was often produced by a process called efflorescence, in which salts migrate to the surface as the water that binds the materials evaporates. During firing to harden the substance, this layer of salt fuses to form a glassy surface.

Egyptian faience, about 1080 B.C.
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1983.12