Marsh Bowl
New Kingdom
The bowl's interior is decorated with a pool surrounded by blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) and papyrus flowers. The underside shows the petals and sepals of an open lotus. These motifs symbolize the themes of fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Shrines dedicated to Hathor produced large quantities of such bowls, some of which have decoration that clearly symbolizes the goddess; others, like this one, bear patterns that are more general. The bright blue color reinforces the importance of the gift to Hathor, "Lady of Turquoise."
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