the cylindrical form tapering towards the base with slightly flared offset rim decorated with black rays, two registers of hieroglyphs have been applied in black pigment to the exterior and read: “The lord of crowns, Ramesses, Ruler of Heliopolis, (beloved of) Osiris, lord of Rostau.” Traces of original contents inside.
Considered to be the last great king of the New Kingdom, Ramesses III was the second pharaoh of the 20th dynasty. An astute military leader, he defended Egypt against numerous foreign invasions, including the Libyans and the Sea Peoples. A great temple builder, paintings of his military feats decorate the walls of his mortuary temple near Thebes. He also helped complete the unification of Egypt providing much needed economical and political stability.
Reference: Friedman, Florence D. "Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience" (Museum of Art, RISD 1998), no. 57 (also p. 96 for color plate) for a similar cup inscribed for Nesikhons.
Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall
Dimensions: height 2 inches (5 centimeters) Diameter at rim: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Provenance: From a private San Francisco collection, California.
