Egyptian Polychrome Canopic Jars -Set of Four

Details

 When you think of ancient Egyptian artefacts, canopic jars are likely high on your list.  

Made in sets of four, these jars are iconic.  A must-have item for the recently deceased in ancient Egypt, these jars come in various designs, materials and colour combinations.  The best know versions of these vessels have lids in the shape of heads of protective deities called the four Sons of Horus. 

These jars played a vital role during the burial rituals in most periods of Ancient Egyptian history.  They were the containers into which the mummified organs of a recently departed soul would be lovingly placed. 

Each of the Sons of Horus was responsible for protecting one of the internal organs considered to be of sufficient importance to undergo the mummification process.  Their responsibilities are as follows:

• The human-headed Imsety (or Amset) was the guardian of the liver.
• The baboon-headed Hapi (or Hapy) looked after the lungs
• The jackal-headed Duamutef (or Tuamutef) was responsible for the stomach
• The falcon-headed Qebehsenuef ( or Qebhsenuf) cared for the intestines

The carefully handpainted decoration on these jars is inspired by a set that is part of the Egyptian collection at the British Museum.  The set dates to the 25th Dynasty, around 746 to 653 BC. 

If you would like us to make individual Canopic Jars, then please sign up for our commission list, and we will custom-make the jar of your choice for you.  The cost of an individual jar in this style is £175.  Sign up here for the commission list. 

 Materials

Earthenware clay, Gesso and paint

Dimensions

Approx. 300 mm tall, 100 mm this is based on the tallest jar, which is the Duamutef

Production

This replica has been hand-made in Northumberland by Potted History, based on an original artefact.  It has been fired to a temperature of between 800 & 1000 Centigrade to emulate the same techniques the original potters would have employed.  Each jar is handpainted, resulting in slight variations in every piece; this is a common feature of the original artefacts. 

Postage

All items are sent using a second-class postal service; if you wish to have an item sent first-class, please contact us for a quote.  Many Thanks