Bowl with tilapia and lotuses
Egyptian New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, 1550–1295 B.C.E.
Bichrome faience, Height x diameter: 3.8 x 15.7 cm (1 1/2 x 6 3/16 in.)
William E. Nickerson Fund 1977, MFA #1977.619
Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014
"The tilapia was a symbol of fertility and rebirth because of its habit of taking its newly hatched young into its mouth for shelter. The young fish appeared to emerge from the parents' mouth as though just born, a phenomenon the Egyptians interpreted as spontaneous generation." (From info card)
Also see 18th Dynasty "Bowl with pond and lotuses".