Dynasty (ca. 3rd millennium B.C.E.), with designs in white clay on red slip. There are earthenware vessels with spouts, jars, jars with handles, and cups. The patterns include plants, waterfowl, and goats with fine horns. The spiral pattern is also a favorite Egyptian trait. The next most notable examples are ceramic ornaments and amulets from the Middle Empire (2052-1792 BCE). The base was made of siliceous material, painted with black or blue pigments, and covered with a dense, glassy, transparent glaze. Sometimes the glassy glaze was colored blue with copper. Although the glaze and paint are often not well separated and smeared, this is one of the oldest underglaze painting techniques.
