Egyptian Princess Watch

Description

Our hand-enameled Egyptian Princess Watch is based on a finely worked pectoral of gold inlaid with carnelian, feldspar, turquoise, and garnet in the Museum’s Egyptian collection. Elegant in design and of superb workmanship, the pectoral was made using the cloisonné technique, in which 372 carefully cut and polished pieces of semiprecious stone were set into gold cells. The Museum's watch captures the vibrant colors and shapes of ancient Egypt.

Brass case with blue dial, hand-enameled link bracelet. 4 links on top, 3 links on bottom with 2 removable links. Quartz movement. Band: Adjustable to 5 1/2''L, 6 1/4''L, or 7''L; Case: 3/4''L x 5/8''W.

Art History

One of the treasures of the Metropolitan Museum’s Egyptian collection is a finely worked pectoral of gold inlaid with carnelian, feldspar, turquoise, and garnet. The pectoral’s owner was Princess Sithathoryunet, who lived during the Middle Kingdom (ca. 2040–1640 B.C.) in the reigns of Senwosret II and Amenemhat III of Dynasty 12. Jewelry worn by royal women in this period was not merely an adornment but also displayed symbols associated with the myths of Egyptian kingship. The appearance of Senwosret II’s name on the pectoral indicates that it was a royal gift from the king to the Princess Sithathoryunet. The pectoral’s design is dominated by two falcons crowned by sun disks around which cobras are coiled. An ankh sign, the hieroglyph meaning life, hangs from each cobra’s tail. The design conveys the wish that the king should rule forever under the protection of the sun.