Book of the Dead Mug, 300ml

A fine bone china mug featuring a motif inspired by the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. <br> <br> The centrepiece of the upper scene is the mummy of Hunefer, shown supported by the god Anubis. Hunefer's wife and daughter mourn, and three priests perform rituals. <br> <br> Ideal as a gift for ancient Egypt enthusiasts. <br> <br> <strong>More about the Book of the Dead decorations on the mug</strong> <br> <br> The two priests with white sashes are carrying out the Opening of the Mouth ritual. The white building at the right is a representation of the tomb, complete with portal doorway and small pyramid. Both these features can be seen in real tombs of this date from Thebes. To the left of the tomb is a picture of the stela which would have stood to one side of the tomb entrance. Following the normal conventions of Egyptian art, it is shown much larger than normal size, in order that its content (the deceased worshipping Osiris, together with a standard offering formula) is absolutely legible. At the right of the lower scene is a table bearing the various implements needed for the Opening of the Mouth ritual. At the left is shown a ritual, where the foreleg of a calf, cut off while the animal is alive, is offered. The animal was then sacrificed. The calf is shown together with its mother, who might be interpreted as showing signs of distress.

Exclusive to the British Museum, a square-based fine bone china mug featuring a design inspired by the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.

About the Book of the Dead:

Ancient Egyptian ‘Books of the Dead’ played an important part of the journey from death to the afterlife. They contained magical texts, ‘spells’ and illustrations, and were often written on papyrus. This section of the Book of the Dead of Hunefer (circa 1280 BC) shows two priests carrying out the Opening of the Mouth ritual. The centrepiece of the upper scene is the mummy of the scribe Hunefer, supported by the god Anubis. Hunefer’s wife and daughter are shown mourning. The white building to the right represents the tomb, complete with a portal doorway and small pyramid. Both of these features can be seen in real Theban tombs from around the time of Hunefer. To the left is an image of a stela (an inscribed upright pillar) and at the right of the lower scene is a table bearing the various implements needed for the ceremony. On the left is depicted a calf being led to its death by ritual sacrifice, alongside its distressed mother.

The papyrus of the 19^th Dynasty Book of the Dead of Hunefer is housed in the British Museum where it can be seen on display in the ancient Egyptian galleries.

An amazing gift for fans of ancient Egyptian history.