TILES Turquoise earthenware Dim. 6 x 3.6 cm Egypt, Ancient Kingdom, c. 3rd dynasty, c. 2650 BC Provenance Former private collection, A.v.d.B, Germany Private collection, acquired in 2018 The reverse has a raised longitudinal bar, a characteristic feature that allows the tile to be fixed to the wall by insertion into the mortar. This type of tile is one of the earliest known examples of Egyptian earthenware architectural cladding. The 3rd Dynasty, the period of the reign of Djoser and the construction of the stepped pyramid at Saqqara, marked a major architectural revolution with the systematic introduction of ashlar and the appearance of the first faience wall decorations. The extensive use of turquoise earthenware also had a profound symbolic dimension, as the colour evoked the primordial waters of the Noun, the source of all life and regeneration in Egyptian cosmogony. An Old Kingdom Faience Tile. c. Dynasty 3rd, c. 2650 BCE. The reverse is fitted with a longitudinal raised bar, a characteristic element allowing the tile to be affixed to wall surfaces by insertion into mortar. This type of tile belongs to the earliest known examples of architectural faience cladding in Egypt. The Third Dynasty, period of King Djoser's reign and the construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, marks a major architectural revolution with the systematic introduction of dressed stone and the appearance of the first faience wall decorations. The extensive use of turquoise faience also possessed profound symbolic dimension, this colour evoking the primordial waters of Nun, source of all life and regeneration in Egyptian cosmogony.