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Jar of Pepi I

Old Kingdom
ca. 2289–2255 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 103
The thick walls of stone vessels helped to keep cool the valuable cosmetic oils and ointments they frequently held, and their exquisite workmanship and high quality underlined the precious nature of the contents.

The inscription on this vase refers to the first hebsed (a royal renewal festival celebrated ideally at 30 years of reign) of Pepi I. The name of a queen (Mery-re, perhaps short for Ankhnesmeryre, the name of two known wives) has been added secondarily below.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Jar of Pepi I
  • Period: Old Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 6
  • Reign: reign of Pepi I
  • Date: ca. 2289–2255 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
  • Dimensions: H.38 × Dia.25 cm (14 15/16 × 9 13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. V. Everit Macy, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.10.11
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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