These earthenware turquoise blue cups
evoke, by their shape, a stylized lotus.
The deep blue colour of the glazing is linked with the Goddess Hathor, mistress of turquoise and goddess of Love, and evokes the goddess’ domain from which the rising sun soars. The blue lotus is a symbol of rebirth and its scent also cured migraines.
Hathor cups were placed near the deceased and were filled with wine that supposed to give the deceased divine drunkenness from which he could draw regenerative strength.
Inside the cup, is represented a tilapia, a fish from the Nile; this recalls the entity of the deceased, which is reconstituted in water, as at the beginning of the world, thus promising eternal life to whoever uses it.
Publisher : Réunion des Musées Nationaux
Material : ceramic
Diameter : 12,5 cm
Height : 3,5 cm
