Collection record · Objects & craft
Kohl Container
The collection record classifies this work as cosmetic objects. It is dated 1540–1296 BCE. Recorded culture or place: Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18.
Explore the object recordOBJECT RECORD
A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Kohl Container
- Date
- 1540–1296 BCE
- Culture / origin
- Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18
- Materials and technique
- wood
- Dimensions
- Overall: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm (1 11/16 x 1 x 11/16 in.); Applicator: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Not specified by the museum
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 1914.671
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
Cosmetic vessels would have once contained scented oils or ointments used for beautifying the body, while kohl containers held the eye paint seen in many depictions of ancient Egyptians. Galena, a mineral used in eye paint, helped reflect the sun and repelled insects and tiny organisms that could cause eye disease and blindness. Cosmetics were an essential element of daily life and associated with upholding the ancient Egyptians’ high standards of cleanliness.
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Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
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