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Kohl Pot

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The ancient Egyptians stored kohl, an eyeliner made from galena, in many different types of containers. The pear-shaped pot and the fish were two possible forms for holding kohl. The fish, which was also a popular fertility symbol, connects the role of the highlighted eyes with Egyptian conceptions of beauty.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
DATES ca. 1938-1630 B.C.E.
DYNASTY Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13
PERIOD Middle Kingdom
DIMENSIONS 7/8 in. (2.3 cm) high x 1 3/16 in. (3 cm) diameter  (show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER 09.889.39
CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Miniature bowl (kohl pot). Inverted pear-shaped body on flattened base. Inset narrow groove forming neck. Wide mouth. Flat lip. Thin walls. Fine finish. Condition: Two slight chips in rim.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Kohl Pot, ca. 1938-1630 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 7/8 in. (2.3 cm) high x 1 3/16 in. (3 cm) diameter. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 09.889.39. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 09.889.39_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 09.889.39_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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