Altägyptisch Fayence Kugelförmiges Opfergefäß. 10 cm H. Schöne Farbe.

Offering globular vessel

Ancient Egypt, Roman period, 1st - 2nd Century AD

Faience

10 cm height and 7,5 cm diameter

Condition: Good state, see photos.

Provenance: Ex. Private collection, R. P. (1928 - 2013), Barcelona, formed between 1950 - 1990. [old inventory number 5068] Thence by descent.

Egyptian faience, a ceramic material composed primarily of quartz and vitrified coatings, was a prominent technology in ancient Egypt and continued to be used in Roman times, adapting to new cultural and aesthetic influences.

Egyptian faience is a paste ceramic composed of silica (quartz) bound with small amounts of clay and alkaline agents. Its most distinctive feature is its glossy glaze, which can be colored by metallic oxides. Blue and green were the most common colors, obtained by means of copper or cobalt oxides. It was achieved through techniques such as self-healing glaze or the application of varnishes.

During the Roman period, traditional Egyptian techniques were integrated with the styles and demands of the Empire. There was a preference for more elaborate designs and functional adaptations, such as small statuettes, amulets and vessels.

Uses and Symbolism: In Roman times, faience continued to play an important role in the religious sphere, producing figures of Egyptian gods such as Isis and Serapis, which were popular in the Hellenistic and Roman spheres. Fayenza was common for creating amulets and necklace beads, often with Egyptian or Greco-Roman motifs, reflecting the cultural integration of both worlds. In Roman tombs in Egypt, pieces of faience are found as small vessels, often bearing magical inscriptions or depictions of protective deities.

The production of faience continued in centers such as Alexandria and Memphis, with Roman influences affecting both style and techniques. Some faience objects were exported within the Roman Empire, leading to a wider diffusion of hybrid styles.

In Roman times, Egyptian faience shows a syncretism between traditional Egyptian motifs and Greco-Roman styles, such as the inclusion of Roman mythological figures.

The faience objects could have more realistic shapes and decorations, reflecting a preference for detail and aesthetic sophistication of the Roman period.

Egyptian faience in Roman times not only preserved its technical tradition, but also became a symbol of the cultural and artistic exchange between Egypt and Rome. If you need a more detailed approach, such as specific examples or archaeological analysis, let me know.

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