Ceramics Industry

Throughout their long history, from about five thousand years ago, the Egyptians excelled in the production of ceramics. They produced various types of hand-made ceramics, such as elegant inlaid vessels, urns with black inlaid edges; these were made in Egypt five thousand years ago. Beside the ceramics that were for household use, the Egyptians produced bowls, various receptacles, vases, plates and other professionally made items, such as table articles and art pieces.

During the Ptolemaic period, additional Greek forms were introduced to the ceramic industry. Oil lamps were at first handmade and then production was developed by means of the pottery wheel and also by casting of the required forms. The oil lamps were characterized by having an opening at the front that was used for a wick, which was lit to produce light. At the rear there was a container for oil and an opening through which the lamp could be filled. Gradually oil lamps were developed that had larger openings for larger wicks; the purpose of these was to produce brighter light.

Accordingly oil lamps became larger and heavier so a handle was added at the back of the lamp by which it could be held. The handles were of various shapes. The lamps were decorated with engraved designs representing different gods, particularly the Nile god, who was famous in the Roman period. Also Serapis, who was the principal god of Alexandria. With the spread of Christianity, oil lamps began to be decorated with religious symbols, such as the cross. Bronze oil lamps were also introduced, and it is from these that candle stands were derived