Two Roman Egyptian Vessels in MECCJ

Abstract

The museum of the Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan (MECCJ) possesses two unique vessels which are broadly dated to Roman period. Both vessels were purchased in Paris by Mr. Kojiro Ishiguro, and joined the Ishiguro Collection in MECCJ.
 These vessels are thought to have been made in Egypt, but their appearances are so unique that they do not show any resemblance in the dynastic Egyptian art style. In fact, their overall shapes together with surface relief decorations show strong similarities to Greek and Roman art styles.
 The author would like to discuss shapes and decorative motifs of these vessels and discuss the influence of eastern Mediterranean art style upon the Egyptian art around the 1^st millennium BC.