(artist unknown, from Akhenaten). (c.1348 to 1336). Akhenaten Fish-Shaped Vase [core glass]. The British Museum, London.

A wave-motif pattern seamlessly references the figure’s natural habitat. The color scheme further references water and is, I believe, a strong design choice because of the complementary orange-yellow it uses. | 
The form this vessel takes is quite identifiable: A bolti fish. The pattern its body carries is more likely to be scales than waves. Either way, creating visual beauty (idealism) is more of a priority than a literal translation (realism). Obviously, the utility of this object is the primary purpose behind its creation. The form it takes shows the skill and technical achievement of Egyptian faience. 

A pleasing, colorful pattern formats the plastic nature of this piece. This pattern is not only based on color but value as well. The color scheme is not strictly complementary, but close with blue scales contrasting against orangish-yellow highlights. This is strictly opinion, but the pattern itself hints at a degree of spatial depth. The gold portions of the pattern could be light reflections off the scales as would be seen above the surface of the water. The way the choices of pattern, color and value are arranged create a pleasing, balanced visual experience.

Harmony predominates, and is achieved. Interest is created through color temperature, chroma and value; each of these factors create a near field-and-ground relationship with each other. The arrangement and “directionality” of the pattern draws attention toward the vase’s opening (fish-figure's face).

The definition of the word “art” has been developed, broken and changes from era to era since the concepts of “science” and “expression” began separate from each other in western cultures beginning in the Renaissance. Many strong definitions have been established, one stating that when an object does more than the function for which it is crafted, the remainder beyond the utility is “art”. Clearly, under this definition alone, this vase is a beautiful work of creation.