Description: Rim fragment from a trumpet shaped chalice, bright blue faience, decorated in relief with three papyrus heads in two rows, a further papyrus stem bent across them; at the rim, a block border. Original rim diameter approximately 9cm. Tait suggests ECM 78, which does not join, is from the same vessel.
Collector Marks: There are no marks but records indicate it shared the number 155 with several other relief chalice sherds in the collection including ECM 78.
Cultural Significance: The relief lotus chalice is a particular type of blue lotus chalice with the majority of examples being traceble to Tunah al Jabal although none were excavated from there and thought to have been connected to the ancient town of Hermopolis. They are difficult to date precisely but most place them within the Third Intermediate Period and some more narrowly in Dynasties 21-22. They are sometimes referred to as Tuna Ware based on the presumed location of manufacture and use.
Comparanda: ECM 80 and ECM 81; ECM 816; ECM 1583; UCL 14556; Boston Museum of Fine Arts 11.1525; Brooklyn Museum 49.133

Bibliography:  G.A.D. Tait, The Egyptian Relief Chalice, JEA 49 (1963) Chalice IX, p.109, Plate XVI.2.

Notes:  Provenance of Tunah al Jabal (Tuna el-Gebel) is suggested by form and knowledge of Myers collecting at the site.
For discussion of relief lotus cup chalices see Tait, The Egyptian Relief Chalice, JEA 49 (1963): 93-139.

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