Cosmetic Dish in the Shape of a Trussed Duck
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Object Label
This delicately carved duck, bound and plucked as if for a food offering or an extravagant meal, functioned as a container for a cosmetic. The oval depression in the surface of the dish was originally covered with a separately carved lid in the shape of the duck’s body.
Caption
Cosmetic Dish in the Shape of a Trussed Duck, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.. Wood, 1 3/4 x 9/16 x 4 3/16 in. (4.5 x 1.5 x 10.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.610E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Cosmetic Dish in the Shape of a Trussed Duck
Date
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18 (probably)
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Reportedly from: Saqqara, Egypt
Medium
Wood
Classification
Dimensions
1 3/4 x 9/16 x 4 3/16 in. (4.5 x 1.5 x 10.7 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.610E
Frequent Art Questions
What was the purpose of this piece?
This is a cosmetic dish. It has been carved in the shape of a trussed duck. You're seeing the bottom of the dish. The top is a smooth bowl that would have originally been covered by a top carved to look like the back of the duck.Thank you!You're welcome! Ancient Egyptians often wore cosmetics including eye kohl, as well as wigs! You can see a few other cosmetics containers, as well as hand mirrors, in the Egyptian galleries.
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