Exhibited Egyptian Woven Date Palm Basket, ex Sotheby's

**Originally Listed At $1800**

Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A superb basket of circular form and skilled construction. The body is composed first of papyrus pith - the dense interior fibers of papyrus stems - that is tightly compressed and coiled into a disc. The pith spiral is then plaited with slender palm leaf strands that gradually thicken towards the center for stabilization and strength. Petite baskets of this size were perhaps used as votive offering vessels to hold offerings or even as a trinket dish in a domestic household. Woven baskets like this example are exceedingly rare to find intact because of the rapid decomposition of papyrus and other organic materials in Egypt's harsh climate. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 3.6" L x 3.4" W (9.1 cm x 8.6 cm)

For a stylistically similar example of a woven basket and lid, please see The British Museum, museum number EA5396.

For other examples of ancient Egyptian basketry, please see: Brovarski, Edward, ed. "Egypt's Golden Age: The Art of Living in the New Kingdom, 1558-1085 BC." Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 1982.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in June, 2015; ex-Sands of Time Ancient Art, Washington, D.C., USA; ex-Michael C. Carlos Museum of Art at Emory University, exhibited 2005 to 2015, catalogue number L2005.8.9; ex-Sotheby's, New York

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#151271
Condition Report: Minor nicks to outermost papyrus pith strands and light loosening and fraying to some palm leaf strips, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas.