Page:A History of Art in Ancient Egypt Vol 2.djvu/58

36 A History of Art in Ancient Egypt. domestic scenes. The galleries and columns of the porch were coloured in imitation of stone or granite. The ceilings were covered with what we call arabesques and interlacing ornaments of all kinds, while the floors were strewn with mats woven of many-coloured reeds." ^ Fig. 21. — Battlemented house ; from Wilkinson, i. p. 362. Fig. 22. — Decorated porch; from Wilkinson, i. p. 346. Fig. 23. — House with in- scription"; from Wilkinson, i. 32. We shall describe the tasteful and convenient furniture which these rooms contained in our chapter upon the industrial arts. The flat roof seems to have been universal in Egypt. It added to the accommodation of the house, It afforded a pleasant rendezvous for the family In the evening, where they could enjoy the view and Fig. 24. — House, storehouse, and garden ; from Prisse, p. 2i8. the fresh breezes which spring up at sunset. At certain seasons they must have slept there. ^ On the other hand the granaries, ^ We have borrowed this short description from a Review of M. Gailhabaud's Momune7its anciens et inodernes, Style Egyptien. Maisons. Those who require further details may consult Chapter V. of Sir Gardner Wilkinson's Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians. ' Herodotus (ii. 95) says that they did so in the marshy parts of Lower Egypt.