In Ancient Egypt, rouge was more than a simple cosmetic, it was a vibrant symbol of vitality, health, and spiritual regeneration, bringing a life-giving flush to the cheeks and lips of both men and women in a culture where beauty and divinity intertwined. Ancient Egyptian blusher or rouge was typically made from red ochre, a...
In the world of Ancient Egypt, kohl was far more than a mere cosmetic; it was an essential element of both daily life and spiritual belief. This fine black powder, traditionally made from galena (lead sulphide) or stibnite (antimony sulphide), was ground into a fine pigment and mixed with oils or resins to create a...
Made of wood, this comb with a resting gazelle dates from the Golden Age of the 18th Dynasty, during the reign of Amenhotep III. Combs in Ancient Egypt were both practical grooming tools and symbols of status and craftsmanship. Made from wood, bone, or ivory, they often featured intricate carvings and designs, reflecting the artistry...
This wooden figure of a girl holding a trunk upon her head is actually a cosmetic box. The trunk the girl holds upon her head, would be filled with cosmetics of the owner’s choice, most likely pigments for make up, including eyeshadow and rouge for cheeks. The piece dates from the 18th Dynasty, of Ancient...
Breccia cosmetic-vessel, theriomorphic, representing a frog, eyes originally inlaid, pierced lug handles and everted rim. These vessels were commonly used in ancient Egypt during the Predynastic period, which refers to the time before the establishment of the 1st Dynasty. These vessels were made from breccia, a type of rock composed of fragments of different minerals...
A brownish residue from a perfumed oil was found inside this Egyptian alabaster tall vase from the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Oils, essential for rituals, were highly valued. The Tomb of Tutankhamun contained various artifacts, including perfumed oil vases. This vase was discovered during the excavation of his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in...
This cosmetic vase contains the names of King Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. It is possible that it originally contained some kind of expensive cosmetic, possibly kohl, oil, or perfume. The vessel’s shape imitates a bag or a sack. It was a popular shape during the 18th Dynasty in pottery, stone, painted wood (to imitate...
This is a vessel in the shape of a cat that dates from early in the 12th Dynasty of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, 1990–1900 B.C. Made from Egyptian alabaster, the cat is sculpted beautifully and inlaid eyes of rock-crystal, lined with copper bring an eerie sense of realism to this piece. Cats held a significant and...
In the realm of Ancient Egyptian personal adornment, the cosmetic spoon emerges as a captivating blend of artistry and daily ritual. Far more than a simple vessel, these delicately carved spoons; often depicting figures of swimmers, lotus blossoms, or animals, offered a glimpse into the sophisticated cosmetic practices of the New Kingdom. Fashioned from fine...
Before photography became most prevalent, Egyptologists would heavily rely on artists to document the relics and monuments of the ancient world. Even Howard Carter himself started his career as an artist, documenting what he saw before him in temples and tombs. Here we see an example of the beautiful artwork of Émile Prisse d’Avennes, a...
