What was true of the kings held good also for their subjects.

For the space of at least six or eight centuries, dating from the time of Ahmes I., the taste for plate was carried to excess.

Every good house was not only stocked with all that was needful for the service of the table, such as cups, goblets, plates, ewers, and ornamental baskets chased with figures of fantastic animals (fig.

287); but also with large ornamental vases which were dressed with flowers, and displayed to visitors on gala days.

Some of these vases were of extraordinary richness.