Egyptian
An Egyptian alabaster three-part kohl jar, Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, circa 1938-1756 BC
Alabaster
Height: 4.8 cm
The vessel is carved in three separate pieces including the curving body which is set on a short foot, an everted broad disc rim rests on the top, with a...
The vessel is carved in three separate pieces including the curving body which is set on a short foot, an everted broad disc rim rests on the top, with a separate disc lid with a central raised notch for fitting.
Provenance
Swiss private collection, Zurich, acquired in 1975 when the owners lived in Cairo (1975-1980).Literature
Such vessels were designed for cosmetics such a kohl. A kohl pot’s specialised function required a certain shape: broad, low proportions that fit in the palm of the hand; an opening wide enough to allow the insertion of an applicator; and a tight lid to protect the contents from dust, wind, and moisture.There is a similar three-part vessel in the 12th Dynasty Treasure of Harageh: R.S. Bianchi, 'The Treasure of Harageh', The Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, 49, 2013, pp. 19-31.