Perfume bottle in the shape of a hes-vase inlaid with the figure of a princess

AI image analysis claude-haiku-4-5

Machine-generated from the object's image on May 2026. Not curatorial; treat deities, names, and signs below as the model's best reading, not authority.

A delicate alabaster perfume bottle in the shape of a hes-vase (shrine form) featuring an inlaid figure of a standing princess rendered in carnelian with blue-painted details at the base.

This exquisite New Kingdom object exemplifies the refined luxury craftsmanship of the Amarna Period. The vessel takes the distinctive form of a hes-shrine, characterized by a broad rounded bulbous body surmounting a slender stem, with a flared neck topped by a broad horizontal finial. The composition showcases sophisticated materials: pale travertine (Egyptian alabaster) forms the primary vessel. The central decorative element features a female figure inlaid in warm carnelian, depicting a standing princess in profile facing right, rendered in typical Amarna style with an elongated body and naturalistic proportions. The figure's eyes are crafted from obsidian, providing striking contrast. At the base of the figure, a decorative band of blue and reddish-brown colored glass inlay creates a structured composition suggesting either a lotus motif or ornamental boundary. The craftsmanship demonstrates the integration of multiple precious materials—stone carving combined with elaborate inlay work—characteristic of elite Amarna Period luxury goods intended for perfumed oils.