Kohl Pot
ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Cosmetics and Eye Care
Egyptian women and men used eye makeup for both decoration and protection.
The most popular eye cosmetic consisted of ground galena, a dark lead ore, mixed with water or gum to produce a black paste called kohl. It was stored in squat containers usually made of stone. Applied to the rims and lashes, kohl emphasized the eyes’ contours and reduced sun glare, much like lamp-black worn by modern football players.
This ancient cosmetic is still used as eye makeup throughout the Near East.
Egyptian women and men used eye makeup for both decoration and protection.
The most popular eye cosmetic consisted of ground galena, a dark lead ore, mixed with water or gum to produce a black paste called kohl. It was stored in squat containers usually made of stone. Applied to the rims and lashes, kohl emphasized the eyes’ contours and reduced sun glare, much like lamp-black worn by modern football players.
This ancient cosmetic is still used as eye makeup throughout the Near East.
Caption
Kohl Pot, ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.. Basalt (probably), 37.646Ea: 1 15/16 x Diam. 1 5/8 in. (4.9 x 4.2 cm) 37.646Eb: 1/4 x Diam. 1 3/4 in. (0.7 x 4.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.646Ea-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Kohl Pot
Date
ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13
Period
Middle Kingdom
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Basalt (probably)
Classification
Dimensions
37.646Ea: 1 15/16 x Diam. 1 5/8 in. (4.9 x 4.2 cm) 37.646Eb: 1/4 x Diam. 1 3/4 in. (0.7 x 4.4 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.646Ea-b
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