All tombs of the ancient empire contain vases of a red or yellow ware, often mixed, like the clay of bricks, with finely-chopped straw or weeds.

These are mostly large solid jars with oval bodies, short necks, and wide mouths, but having neither foot nor handles.

With them are also found pipkins and pots, in which to store the dead man's provisions; bowls more or less shallow; and flat plates, such as are still used by the fellahin.

The poorer folk sometimes buried miniature table and kitchen services with their dead, as being less costly than full-sized vessels.

The surface is seldom glazed, seldom smooth and lustrous; but is ordinarily covered with a coat of whitish, unbaked paint, which scales off at a touch.
Upon this surface there is neither incised design, nor ornament in relief, nor any kind of inscription, but merely some four or five parallel lines in red, black, or yellow, round the neck.
[Illustration: Fig.