An Egyptian Lidded Cosmetic Vessel, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2040 - 1783 BCE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.
This lovely squat jar of creamy alabaster has smooth convex sides that swell upward from a small, footed base to a high shoulder and a detachable rim. This wide, flat rim fits neatly into the mouth of the vessel and is surmounted by a flat alabaster lid. It is unusual for all three pieces to remain together; usually, they are lost over time.
As is common with this type of cosmetic vessel, the drilling of the interior is narrow and does not conform to the shape of the body. Traces of the original blue mineral contents can still be found within the body and rim of the vessel.
Cosmetic vessels such as this example were used for storing kohl, or eye paint. Egyptians used kohl extensively, both to emphasize and protect their eyes. The wide rim of this small pot meant that small crumbs of this precious product, from distant Arabian mines by the Red Sea, were not wasted.
For a similar example see: Petrie, WMF "Stone and Metal Vases" (1917) plate XXX #733, and p. 142-144 in Bourriau, Pharaohs and Mortals, Egyptian Art in the Middle Kingdom.
Medium: Alabaster
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/4 inches (3 cm), Lid diameter: 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm)
Condition: The vessel is intact and in very good condition overall.
Provenance: Property from the Estate of Joan Conway Crancer, St. Louis, Missouri, acquired from Galerie du Sycomore, Paris, 8 November 1990.
QUESTIONS? Just click the Contact Us tab on your right.
We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.
For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.
Overseas shipments are sent using FedEx International priority but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.
Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
Choose options
