A Passion for Period - Egyptian

EGYPTIAN 3000 - 332 BC
by Jenny Harris

The history of Ancient Egypt began when upper and lower Egypt were united under a sinale ruler about 3000 BC and ended when it was absorbed into Alexander's empire at the time of his conquest in 332 BC.

The Egyptians loved flowers and used them everywhere for their beauty. As a personal adornment highly decorated ornate floral collars were popular.

Garlands were often made of mixed flowers, with leaves used on alternate sides qiving the effect of silver on green and these were presented to both the living and the dead.

Simple tight posies and wreaths were also very evident. Bowls of fruit, vegetables and flowers decorated tables but there was no evidence of the flowers being placed in water.

The following characteristics of floral design capture the spirit of the Egyptian era.

Designs were highly stylized with placements in pairs or threes, with the right and left sides being identical in appearance. Symmetrical in shape. Two dimensional rather than three dimensional.

When using three flowers the largest flower is placed at the top centre with two buds or other flowers slightly below, on either side of the centre stem.

No additional foliage was apparent. Symbolism of colour was important.

Containers
Graceful vessels made in precious and base metals such as gold, some pottery, glass, carved alabaster and woven baskets.

The most popular plant material
Salix, Cyperus papyrus, Vitis, Phoenix dactylifera, Myrtus communis, Jasminum, Iris sibirica, and of course the blue Lotus. This flower symbolised purity and creation.

The container used for this example of an Egyptian floral design was made using the instructions from the book: 'Containers and Artefacts for Period Flower Arranging' by Veronica Coe. NAFAS publication

Reference:
Guide to Period Flower Arranging NAFAS