Egyptian Household Utensils, 1776, Paper

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Egyptian household utensils – antique engraving of domestic tools, c.1776 : this intriguing antique engraving presents a detailed visual inventory … Read more Egyptian household utensils – antique engraving of domestic tools, c.1776 : this intriguing antique engraving presents a detailed visual inventory of traditional egyptian household items, as observed and recorded by european travelers in the 18th century. Titled 'egyptisch huisraad' (egyptian household goods), this plate is part of a dutch travel or ethnographic publication circa 1790, documenting daily life and material culture in egypt during a period of growing western interest in the orient. A – small wooden or metal table, likely used for serving food or tea b – large round serving tray with small dishes, possibly for communal eating c – draped cloth or bedding, possibly a canopy or mosquito net d – slender glass or ceramic bottle, likely for oil or perfume e – small container or case, possibly for jewelry or spices f – round perforated object, possibly a sieve, grater, or incense burner lid g – curved dagger in a scabbard, possibly a jambiya or khanjar h – decorative tray or plate, possibly ceramic or brass i – small lidded vessel or cosmetic jar k – tall-necked ewer, likely for pouring water or beverages l – mortar and pestle m – large water ewer n – small pitcher or jug o – lidded container, possibly a sugar bowl p – vessel, possibly a small lamp or incense pot q – conical coffee pot, similar to a cezve r – small perfume flask s – dome-shaped incense burner on a plate t – spindle or thread reel u – grinder or small mill, likely for coffee or spices v – press or grinding vessel w – tongs or pincers x – coiled rope or cord, possibly for domestic use y – rod or pestle, used with a grinder z (right edge) – smoking pipe or cane with curved handle z (upper center) – bolster or cylindrical pillow unlabeled (top center) – cushions or bedding materials mirror (above b) – oval hand mirror necklaces and rings (top left) – jewelry items for personal adornment the composition offers an array of utensils and objects meticulously arranged and labeled, providing insight into the tools and materials used in egyptian homes. These include a variety of pitchers and vessels (marked k, l, m, n), likely for water, coffee, or oils; ornate trays and tables (a and b) for serving and communal eating; baskets, textiles, ropes, and coverings; weaponry and ornamental items (notably the dagger labeled g); and smaller implements such as grinders, scales, and mirrors. Of special interest are the kettle-shaped items marked r and q, which show richly decorated islamic metalwork influences. Aesthetically, the engraving is clean and balanced, drawn with precise linear detail and clear labeling. It reflects enlightenment-era fascination with cataloguing the exotic and unfamiliar, and served both scientific and artistic purposes for its original european readership. This image not only illustrates historical ethnographic documentation but also serves as a design reference for artisans, collectors of islamic art, and historians of domestic material culture in north africa and the levant. Condition: well-preserved engraving on laid paper with minor age toning and slight edge wear, particularly along the right margin. Plate mark visible. A small pinhole lower left. Vertical centerfold as issued. Otherwise a strong impression. Framing tips: ideal for display in a simple black or walnut frame with a soft ivory mat to draw attention to the array of objects. Works well alongside other prints of daily life or architectural elements from the same period. Technique: engraving maker: j. Van jagen (del.), netherlands, circa 1776 See less