these again are surrounded by a border of lotus-bells united by a curved line. The five vases of Thmûis, in the Gizeh Museum, are of silver. They formed part of the treasure of the temple, and had been buried in a hiding- place, where they remained till our own day. We have no indication of their probable age; but whether they belong to the Greek or the Theban period, the workmanship is purely Egyptian. Of one vessel, only the cover is left, the handle being formed of two flowers upon one stem. The others are perfect, and are decorated in _repoussé_ work with lotus-lilies in bud and blossom (fig. 285). [Illustration: Fig. 284.--Golden cup of General Tahûti, Eighteenth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 285.--Silver vase of Thmûis.] The form is simple and elegant, the ornamentation sober and delicate; the relief low. One is, however, surrounded by a row of ovoid bosses (fig. 286), which project in high relief, and somewhat alter the shape of the body of the vase. These are interesting specimens; but they are so few in number that, were it not for the wall-paintings, we should have but a very imperfect idea of the skill of the Egyptian goldsmiths. [Illustration: Fig. 286.--Silver vase of Thmûis.] [Illustration: Fig. 287.--Ornamental basket in precious metal. From wall- painting, Twentieth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 288.--Crater of precious metal, borne by slaves. Wall- painting, Eighteenth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 289.--Hydria of precious metal. Wall-painting, Eighteenth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 290.--Enamelled cruet. Wall-painting, Eighteenth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 291.--Enamelled cruet. Wall-painting, Eighteenth Dynasty.] [Illustration: Fig. 292.--Gold centre-piece of Amenhotep III. Wall- painting, Eighteenth Dynasty.]