Artwork
Sculptures, vases etc., Egyptian (Mohammedan), from Arabian Museum, Cairo

Sculptures, vases etc., Egyptian (Mohammedan), from Arabian Museum, Cairo is a photographic photography by Unknown. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The tray’s detailed carvings make it look like it was meant for something special, maybe a gift or a ceremonial piece.
This photo shows four old clay objects on a shelf. On the left is a small, lopsided bowl with a handle. Next to it are two big jars—one smooth, the other covered in carved swirls. In front sits a flat, rectangular tray with tiny raised patterns all over it.
The tray’s detailed carvings make it look like it was meant for something special, maybe a gift or a ceremonial piece. The photo itself is old, taken around 1900, and labeled from a museum in Cairo.
If you like this kind of craftsmanship, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
A 1904 sepia-toned photograph depicts four ancient Egyptian clay objects on a shelf, including a small lopsided bowl with a handle, two large jars (one smooth, one with carved swirls), and a flat rectangular tray featuring intricate raised patterns.
Subject & Meaning
The tray's detailed carvings suggest it may have been intended for a special purpose, such as a gift or ceremonial use. The overall arrangement implies a documentary or archival intent.
Technique & Style
The objects exhibit varied craftsmanship: a handmade, asymmetrical bowl, a plain jar, an ornately carved jar, and a meticulously patterned tray, collectively showcasing a range of Egyptian clay-working techniques.
History & Provenance
The photograph was taken in 1904 by an unknown photographer at the Arabian Museum in Cairo, where the collection was housed.
Context
The image provides a glimpse into the archaeological and cultural preservation efforts in early 20th-century Egypt, highlighting the interest in documenting Egyptian artifacts during this period.
Legacy
While the photograph's primary purpose was archival, it now serves as a historical record of the state and curation of Egyptian artifacts in the Arabian Museum, Cairo, at the turn of the 20th century.
Artist & collection



















