Cleveland Museum of Art

Cosmetic Vessel

Date

c. 1980–1901 BCE

Medium

anhydrite

Culture

Egypt, Middle Kingdom (2040–1648 BCE), Dynasty 12

Department

Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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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