A rare Egyptian Glass Pomegranate Pendant, New Kingdom, Amarna Period , ca. 1353 - 1336 BCE

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The first recorded glass vessels in Egypt date back to the reign of Thutmose I (1506–1493 BC), during the New Kingdom. At that time, glass was highly prized and regarded as being e qual in value with other precious materials and gemstones. This exquisite pendant is made from bright turquoise glass and features a hollow spherical body, a flaring top, a scalloped rim, and a suspension loop. The Egyptians used copper to achieve this color, no doubt to imitate genuine turquoise. The pendant is shaped like a pomegranate, a fruit first brought to Egypt from Western Asia at the beginning of the New Kingdom. The pomegranate quickly became a popular motif in jewelry, amulets, and vessels. cf: B. Nolte. Die Glassgefässe im Alten Ägypten. Munich. Munchener Ägyptologische Studien. 14, #128 and fragmentary example, Petrie Museum.Medium: Glass Dimensions: Length: 3 cm (1.18 inches), Width: 2.8 cm (1.1 inches) Condition: The pendant is complete, and expertly conserved from several pieces. A rare and exceptional example of ancient Egyptian glass.Provenance: Ex Filk collection, UK, assembled in the 1950s, thereafter J.B. collection, UK, acquired from the English trade in 2011. Show more