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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 × Diam. 1 3/16 in. (2.3 × 3 cm)  (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 × 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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