Miniature saucer
Sixty-eight model vessels of limestone were found scattered in Perneb's subterranean apartments. These would originally have been placed in the burial chamber to provide symbolic sustenance for the afterlife. Such sets of miniature vessels, solid or with only token cavities, first appear in tombs during the early Old Kingdom. At Giza, for example, several complete miniature table services were found, consisting of a basin and ewer for washing, seven vases for sacred oils, beer and wine jars, and many small cups and saucers.
Perneb's set of model vessels consists of four shouldered "beer" jars, four tapering bottles with high collars; two wine jars (each with two grooves around the body), seven cylindrical ointment containers, a jug with a single handle, and forty-nine bowls and saucers. A disk-shaped object was also found with this group of objects; this may be the top of a tiny offering table. This is a saucer.
Perneb's set of model vessels consists of four shouldered "beer" jars, four tapering bottles with high collars; two wine jars (each with two grooves around the body), seven cylindrical ointment containers, a jug with a single handle, and forty-nine bowls and saucers. A disk-shaped object was also found with this group of objects; this may be the top of a tiny offering table. This is a saucer.
Artwork Details
- Title: Miniature saucer
- Period: Old Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 5
- Reign: reign of Isesi–Unis
- Date: ca. 2381–2323 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Saqqara, Tomb of Perneb, MMA excavations, 1913–14
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: H: 1.4-2.7 cm (9/16-1 1/16 in.); Diam: 4.3-5 cm (1 11/16-1 15-16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1914
- Object Number: 14.7.76
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 2381–2323 B.C.
ca. 2446–2389 B.C.
ca. 2446–2389 B.C.
ca. 2446–2389 B.C.
ca. 2246–2152 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.