Metropolitan Museum William the Hippo Weighted Sterling Ornament Item # mma-1019

This unique ornament was inspired by a well-formed statuette of a hippopotamus (popularly called "William") that can be found in the museums collection. The statuette demonstrates the Egyptian artist's appreciation for the natural world. It was molded in faience, a ceramic material made of ground quartz. Beneath the blue glaze, the body was painted with the outlines of river plants, symbolizing the marshes in which the animal lived. The Metropolitan Museum William the Hippo Weighted Sterling Ornament measures 2.5" high and includes gift box and ribbon for hanging.