Lotus chalice

The Lotus Chalice, also known as the Alabaster Chalice or Wishing Cup, is a captivating artifact unearthed from the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, who reigned during the 18th Dynasty. This exquisite piece, cataloged as find number 014, can be admired today at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Carved from a single piece of alabaster, the chalice is elegantly shaped like a white lotus in full bloom. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply symbolic, as the lotus flower in Egyptian mythology represents the birth of the sun god, symbolizing eternity and infinity.

The chalice is adorned with intricate inscriptions filled with blue pigment, featuring Tutankhamun's throne name, personal name, and various epithets. Around the rim, one can find a five-fold titulary of Tutankhamun, which includes blessings for the king's eternal life and happiness. The renowned archaeologist Howard Carter, who led the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb, dubbed it the "King's Wishing Cup" due to the wish-filled inscription on it.

This remarkable chalice has been a highlight in several exhibitions, such as the famous Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition, where it showcased the opulence and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian grave goods. Its discovery has provided historians and archaeologists with invaluable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egypt.