LILY-WORK (מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה שׁוּשַׁ֣ן). The architectural ornamentation on the tops of the free-standing pillars, Jachin and Boaz, at the vestibule of Solomon’s Temple was lily-work (1 Kings 7:19, 22). It is thought likely that this lily-work was modeled after the Egyp. lotus, which was the staple ornament not only in Egyp. art, but also was widely used, as archeological remains show, in Assyria, Persia, and Palestine.

Bibliography H. G. May, “The Two Pillars Before the Temple of Solomon,” BASOR, 88 (1942), 19-27.