Hippopotamus

Middle Kingdom

Not on view

Hippopotamus statuettes made out of faience (a non-clay ceramic material) occur in four different positions: standing, walking, seated, and reclining. The surface of the walking hippopotamus here is painted with the most common decorative motif for such figurines, open and closed lotus flowers and lotus leaves. In addition a frog is depicted on each of the hippo’s hind quarters. The faience glaze has discolored over time and what was once a bright blue faded to a very light blue-green in most places. It is also damaged in several areas, especially on the back, and reveals the rough white core of the material.

Hippopotamus, Faience

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