Description: Rim fragment of a trumpet shaped relief lotus chalice, sometimes called Tuna Ware of bright blue faience. The outer surface is decorated in relief with papyrus and palmette alternating between the sepals and petals of the lotus; at the rim there is a block border. Original rim diameter about 9cm. ECM 74 does not form a join, but is probably from the same vessel.
Collector Marks: A paper label printed with the number 1206 in red is on the back of the sherd below which appear to be traces of the number 157 in black ink.
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: Louvre E112349; Metropolitan Museum New York 26.7.976 and 26.7.980.

Bibliography:  G.A.D. Tait, The Egyptian Relief Chalice, JEA 49 (1963) p.102.

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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