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
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 × Diam. 1 3/16 in. (2.3 × 3 cm). 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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