Plant Bouquet
When Tutankhamun's tomb was reopened, more than three thousand years had passed, but the plant bouquets found inside were in excellent, if fragile, condition. The one shown here is quite large; it is more than six feet long. The lower sections of sizable bouquets were bound tightly to create a handle shape that enabled them to be carried, likely in the funeral procession.
Unlike the garlands, these bouquets did not include flowers; they were made primarily of twigs from evergreen Persea plants and olive trees. Ancient Egyptians associated plants and the color green with life, and the arrangements probably signified regeneration and everlasting life. Similar bouquets were also deposited in the tombs of nonroyal people.
Unlike the garlands, these bouquets did not include flowers; they were made primarily of twigs from evergreen Persea plants and olive trees. Ancient Egyptians associated plants and the color green with life, and the arrangements probably signified regeneration and everlasting life. Similar bouquets were also deposited in the tombs of nonroyal people.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plant Bouquet
- Photographer: Harry Burton (British (1879–1940))
- Date: ca. 1923–24
- Medium: Gelatin silver print from glass negative
- Credit Line: Department of Egyptian Art Archives
- Object Number: TAA 144
- 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.
Harry Burton
1925
Harry Burton
ca. 1923–24
Harry Burton
1925
Harry Burton
1927–30
Harry Burton
1925
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.