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Both continuity and change are reflected in this portrait bust initially carved for a ruler of the Middle Kingdom and then re-carved for a New Kingdom monarch. There was a marked change between the way late 12th Dynasty and mid 19th Dynasty kings were represented. The pharaohs of the 12th Dynasty wished to present an experienced and careworn expression. This is conveyed by heavy eyelids, wrinkles, and a firm set to the mouth. The pharaohs of the 19th Dynasty, however, wanted their images to suggest youth, vigor, and confidence. To transform a Middle Kingdom royal image into a New Kingdom one, sculptors re-carved the face. The eyes, nose, and forehead of this sculpture show evidence of reworking to erase signs of age, while the corners of the mouth were deeply drilled to make the cheeks appear rounder and to bring the lips closer to the slight smile typical of 19th Dynasty royal sculpture.
Egyptian
8 11/16 x 7 5/16 x 4 5/16 in. (22 x 18.5 x 11 cm)
medium: anorthosite gneiss
culture: Egyptian
dynasty: 12th Dynasty, 19th Dynasty
reign: Sesostris III-Amenemhat III, Ramesses II
Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
This dagger is decorated with an incised human face and a geometric pattern.
Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region, 19th century
cassowary bone
Overall: 33.6 x 4.6 cm (13 1/4 x 1 13/16 in.)
Gift of Mrs. Charles E. Roseman
This kozuka was made in Nagasaki, the main port during Japan's period of restricted foreign interchange between the 1630s and the 1850s. Most of Japan's foreign trade during that time occurred through Nagasaki. The large boat in the center is a Dutch ship. The flag at its left is either the Dutch tricolor or the flag of the Dutch East Indies Company, which used the tricolor as a background. The two boats on the right are Chinese junks. Five other small boats are in the water between the large ships. These boats are tied to together and are pulling the large boat into port. Part of the port can be seen behind the small boats.
Japanese
3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
medium: shibuichi, gold, silver, copper
style: Ishiguro School
culture: Japanese
Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
As early as the seventh century, the practice of drinking tea and wine became an important part of elite culture in Korea. Once used to store alcoholic beverages, this type of vase features a wide body followed by a sharply rounded shoulder, a short neck and a small opening. Most of the remaining examples no longer have a lid, but originally it may have had a lid that not only covers the opening, but also served as a cup.
Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Celadon ware with inlaid white and black slip decoration
Overall: 33 cm (13 in.)
Did you know...
Prunus vases are often believed to contain a branch of plum blossoms, but recent research reveals that these lidded vases were also used to contain cooking liquid such as sesame oil.
Gift of John L. Severance