Kohl Tube Inscribed for Amunhotep III and Queen Tiye
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Object Label
Shaped like a slender reed flute, this tube once contained eye paint called kohl that would have been applied with a wooden or faience stick. Its form may refer to Hathor, a goddess associated with both reeds and music. One of several examples inscribed with the names of the king and queen, this tube was probably a royal possession or a gift to a loyal courtier.
Caption
Kohl Tube Inscribed for Amunhotep III and Queen Tiye, ca. 1390–1353 B.C.E.. Faience, 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm) 7/8 x 5 5/16 in. (2.2 x 13.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.598E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Kohl Tube Inscribed for Amunhotep III and Queen Tiye
Date
ca. 1390–1353 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Faience
Classification
Dimensions
5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm) 7/8 x 5 5/16 in. (2.2 x 13.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.598E
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
All of the objects in this case speak to the proliferation of fine decorative objects produced during the reign of Amunhotep III. Kohl is a cosmetic used for lining eyes in ancient Egypt and today. A tube like this would have come with an applicator stick.
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