Fig. 149.
In architecture the lotus and papyrus were largely used, in fact they form the basis of columnar decoration as distinct from that of pillars. The earliest figure of a column that is known is as far back as any dated monument we possess at the beginning of the IVth dynasty; and there it is fashioned as a stem and flower, probably carved in wood. The contracting connection with the tenon above, in a bell form, on the top of the flower, is the same as columns of the VIth dynasty (L.D. II. 111); and is the source of the much later columns of Tahutmes III. at Karnak, which otherwise seems to be an unaccountable “sport.”
Fig. 150.
Fig. 151.
Fig. 152.
In the figures of wooden columns in the Vth and VIth dynasties, the lotus form prevails, as we have already noticed, and here repeat.
In the Vth dynasty, in the tomb of Ptahshepses at Abusir the clustered papyrus stems are a new feature; at Benihasan they are well developed; and they continued in use to the XVIIIth dynasty. But a different type then arose into predominance in the wide bell-topped lotus capitals, and with long sheath-leaves around the root; and this continued for several dynasties. But this was displaced by the elaborate composite capitals of Ptolemaic and Roman age, which were made up of varied elements of incongruity.