Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A small blue glazed composition flask with discoid body, tall neck and two loop handles; to the obverse a low-relief mask of Bes, bearded and with a low crown; to the reverse, a design of four wedjat eye-motifs. 39 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). Property of a lady; acquired in the late 1970s on the London art market. Vessels with the depiction of either the face or full image of the god Bes seem to have had some sort of magical function. As well as the god they also have other magical images on them, such as the wedjat eye of Horus or deities associated with healing and protection. It is believed that flasks such as these contained medicine and the inclusion of images of healing and protective deities and symbols added to the efficacy of the medicine. Bes was particularly associated with the welfare of pregnant women and children and so this vessel was probably used in healing rituals for them.

Fine condition, repair to neck.