Cosmetic

Hedgehog Cosmetic Pot

Hedgehog Cosmetic Pot

This small faience vessel in the shape of a hedgehog was most likely a perfume or cosmetic vessel. Texts and images tell us that both men and women wore eye makeup and applied perfume. Perfume was associated with the divine in ancient Egypt and the presence of a deity is sometimes signaled by a sweet...

Cosmetic ibex kohl spoon

Cosmetic Ibex Kohl Spoon

Although its theme is natural, this kohl spoon is typically Egyptian: halfway between bas-relief and sculpture in the round, evoking an offering of game yet with the practical aspect of a spoon. There is no inscription on this piece, which was found in a tomb; its specific function and significance remain something of a mystery....

Servant Girl Statuette

Servant Girl Statuette

This statuette is of a servant girl probably the best known of all the Egyptian objects in the Oriental Museum’s collection. It is famous both for the quality of the craftsmanship and for the natural pose of the girl’s body. The jar the girl carries at her left side is so large. She has to...

Moulded faience vase in the form of the goddess Taweret

Vase of goddess Taweret

This Egyptian faience vase is molded in the form of the goddess Taweret, the ancient Egyptian patroness of childbirth and a protector of women and children. Like Bes, she was considered to be a ferocious demon as well as a protective and nurturing deity. She was associated with the lion, the crocodile, and the hippo;...

Perfume Vase of King Tutankhamun

Perfume Vase of Tutankhamun

Alabaster perfume vase upon ornamental stand, with cartouches of Tutankhamun, lotus and papyrus flowers forming a sema-tawy (unification of the two lands) and stems as renpet (time or eternity) signs. The vases found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun were commonly used to store precious oils and cosmetics for the king to use in the...

Cosmetic Ibex Vase of Tutankhamun

This alabaster cosmetic vase of King Tutankhamun, which is a unique piece of art, was shaped in the form of an ibex, or goat, with real horns, one of which is missing. The eyes are inlaid and have black lids. The ears of the ibex were pierced but the earrings are missing. The back of...

Cosmetic Shell of King Sekhemkhet

This original gold cosmetics container in the shape of a shell or scallop was found in the pyramidal complex of the king Sekhemkhet which was built on the model of his predecessor Djoser. For the ancient Egyptians, the plant and animal worlds were an inexhaustible source of decorative themes, particularly in the design of small,...

Tutankhamun's Ointment Jar Surmounted by a Lion

Cosmetic Jar of Tutankhamun with lion on lid

This cosmetic alabaster jar of Tutankhamun used as an unguent or perfume container, is a masterpiece of unusual form and design. The lid is adorned with the figure of a small recumbent lion, its mouth open and an ivory tongue sticking out. Around the jar are scenes of lions and dogs hunting bulls and gazelles,...