Canopic Vase With Amset Head

Canopic vase with the head of Amset

This canopic vase with the head of Amset, a deity protecting the livers of the dead in Egyptian mythology, is an emblematic example of the Egyptomania that developed in the 19th century. This work, from the Napoleon III period, is made of black patinated spelter, and measures 38 cm in height.

Amset, one of the four gods associated with the protection of the viscera in ancient Egypt, is represented here with particular care.
The vase rests on a base in red griotte marble, decorated with golden hieroglyphs, measuring 15 x 15 cm, which accentuates its oriental and symbolic character.

Canopic vases, used in ancient Egypt to contain the embalmed viscera of the deceased, aroused great interest in Europe after Napoleon's Egyptian campaign at the end of the 18th century. This discovery gave rise to a real fascination for Egyptian art and culture, giving rise to Egyptomania.

At this time, objects inspired by ancient Egypt, such as these canopic jars, were often produced in porcelain, bronze, marble or biscuit, as demonstrated by the creations of the Wedgwood house. This vase perfectly embodies this period when orientalism and Egyptomania influenced European decorative arts.