Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
@ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social
🖼 🏺 World famous collections, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art
🕙 Open every day 10am–5pm 🏛 linktr.ee/ashmoleanmuseum
🕙 Open every day 10am–5pm 🏛 linktr.ee/ashmoleanmuseum
Happy Boxing Day!
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
December 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Happy Boxing Day!
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
✨ Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
December 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
✨ Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
December 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
🎄 The festive break has now begun for our galleries 🎄
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
December 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
🎄 The festive break has now begun for our galleries 🎄
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 23: Winged Nike
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
December 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 23: Winged Nike
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 22: Pomander
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
December 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 22: Pomander
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
December 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
December 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
#AshmoleanAdvent Calendar Day 19 – Starry Sky
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
December 19, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Calendar Day 19 – Starry Sky
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
Day 18 of #AshmoleanAdvent - Three Wise Men
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
December 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Day 18 of #AshmoleanAdvent - Three Wise Men
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
📣 Last chance to shop online!
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
December 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
📣 Last chance to shop online!
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 16: Study of Mistletoe
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
December 16, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 16: Study of Mistletoe
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 15: Bronze Stag
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 15: Bronze Stag
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 14: Winged Nike
On the reverse of this gold coin of Alexander the Great, from 330–320 BCE, stands Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. In her outstretched right hand she holds a wreath, and in her left hand she holds a ship's standard, likely symbolising a naval victory.
On the reverse of this gold coin of Alexander the Great, from 330–320 BCE, stands Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. In her outstretched right hand she holds a wreath, and in her left hand she holds a ship's standard, likely symbolising a naval victory.
December 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 14: Winged Nike
On the reverse of this gold coin of Alexander the Great, from 330–320 BCE, stands Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. In her outstretched right hand she holds a wreath, and in her left hand she holds a ship's standard, likely symbolising a naval victory.
On the reverse of this gold coin of Alexander the Great, from 330–320 BCE, stands Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. In her outstretched right hand she holds a wreath, and in her left hand she holds a ship's standard, likely symbolising a naval victory.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 13: Chestnut Netsuke
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
December 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 13: Chestnut Netsuke
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
Until the 19th century Japanese citizens wore a kimono, fastened by an obi (sash). Small personal items such as purses, pipes or medicine containers were hung from the sash by silk cords.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 12: Raphael’s Angel
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
December 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 12: Raphael’s Angel
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
This beautifully sketched angel was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.
🪽 Study for an angel, c. 1515–16, by Raphael (1483–1520). WA1846.208
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 11: The Virgin Mary
This figure of the Virgin Mary was possibly carved in the Netherlands during the first half of the sixteenth century.
When seen from the front, the figure kneels on a red cushion with tasselled ends, her hands held together in prayer.
This figure of the Virgin Mary was possibly carved in the Netherlands during the first half of the sixteenth century.
When seen from the front, the figure kneels on a red cushion with tasselled ends, her hands held together in prayer.
December 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 11: The Virgin Mary
This figure of the Virgin Mary was possibly carved in the Netherlands during the first half of the sixteenth century.
When seen from the front, the figure kneels on a red cushion with tasselled ends, her hands held together in prayer.
This figure of the Virgin Mary was possibly carved in the Netherlands during the first half of the sixteenth century.
When seen from the front, the figure kneels on a red cushion with tasselled ends, her hands held together in prayer.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 10: Evening Snow at Kiyomizudera
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 10: Evening Snow at Kiyomizudera
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
This woodblock print shows a view from inside the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto on a snowy evening by Kawase Hasui.
Snow falls steadily, forming drifts on the wooden balcony. Through the pillars, two figures can be seen looking out.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 9: Star Tile
This star-shaped fritware tile was made in Iran in the 13th century. On the tile are two seated figures, dressed in richly patterned tunics and enjoying a drink together.
⭐ Star-shaped tile. 20 x 18.5 x 1.3cm. EA1978.1560
This star-shaped fritware tile was made in Iran in the 13th century. On the tile are two seated figures, dressed in richly patterned tunics and enjoying a drink together.
⭐ Star-shaped tile. 20 x 18.5 x 1.3cm. EA1978.1560
December 9, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 9: Star Tile
This star-shaped fritware tile was made in Iran in the 13th century. On the tile are two seated figures, dressed in richly patterned tunics and enjoying a drink together.
⭐ Star-shaped tile. 20 x 18.5 x 1.3cm. EA1978.1560
This star-shaped fritware tile was made in Iran in the 13th century. On the tile are two seated figures, dressed in richly patterned tunics and enjoying a drink together.
⭐ Star-shaped tile. 20 x 18.5 x 1.3cm. EA1978.1560
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 8: Black Bear Cub
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 8: Black Bear Cub
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
Painted by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō, this small bear looks directly out at the viewer while it sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori School of artists who specialised in lifelike depictions of animals.
🐻 EA1964.95.F
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 7: Decorated Elizabethan Trenchers
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 7: Decorated Elizabethan Trenchers
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
These decorated wooden trenchers, made around 1600, would have been used as dining plates at banquets on special occasions. Placed face down on a table they would have held sugared fruits, marzipan or other sugary delicacies.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 6: St Nicholas
Today marks St Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his kindness and generosity.
In this icon dating back to the 15th century, St Nicholas is shown as the Miracle Worker.
Today marks St Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his kindness and generosity.
In this icon dating back to the 15th century, St Nicholas is shown as the Miracle Worker.
December 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 6: St Nicholas
Today marks St Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his kindness and generosity.
In this icon dating back to the 15th century, St Nicholas is shown as the Miracle Worker.
Today marks St Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his kindness and generosity.
In this icon dating back to the 15th century, St Nicholas is shown as the Miracle Worker.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 5 – Five Gold Rings
These hooped earrings are richly decorated with wire, beads, and animal-heads (bull, wild goat, and ram).
These earrings were from one of two exceptional hoards discovered in 1905 at Tukh el-Qaramus.
🟡 Late 4th – early 3rd century BCE, AN1926.99–104
These hooped earrings are richly decorated with wire, beads, and animal-heads (bull, wild goat, and ram).
These earrings were from one of two exceptional hoards discovered in 1905 at Tukh el-Qaramus.
🟡 Late 4th – early 3rd century BCE, AN1926.99–104
December 5, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 5 – Five Gold Rings
These hooped earrings are richly decorated with wire, beads, and animal-heads (bull, wild goat, and ram).
These earrings were from one of two exceptional hoards discovered in 1905 at Tukh el-Qaramus.
🟡 Late 4th – early 3rd century BCE, AN1926.99–104
These hooped earrings are richly decorated with wire, beads, and animal-heads (bull, wild goat, and ram).
These earrings were from one of two exceptional hoards discovered in 1905 at Tukh el-Qaramus.
🟡 Late 4th – early 3rd century BCE, AN1926.99–104
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 4: Roman Star Coin
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 4: Roman Star Coin
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.
Prominent on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey, is a large eight-pointed star.