Artwork Page for Cosmetic Vessel (Cylinder Beaker)

Details / Information for Cosmetic Vessel (Cylinder Beaker)

Cosmetic Vessel (Cylinder Beaker)

1980–1801 BCE

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

Medium
travertine
Measurements
Diameter of mouth: 5.6 cm (2 3/16 in.); Overall: 6.5 cm (2 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1914.813
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Jars of this shape and material are common in Middle Kingdom tombs. This one, however, is inscribed with the Egyptian word merhet, which means "perfumed oil," and after thousands of years it still has traces of sweet-smelling resin.
A travertine vessel is shaped like a tapering cylinder, flaring from a flat base to a wide, overhanging rim. Its surface displays a mottled pattern of cream and tan, ending in a dense, dark brown band at the bottom. Fine vertical cracks span the body, and small chips mark the rim's edge. Light filters through the translucent walls, highlighting organic textures and the shift from pale highlights to earthy, shadowy depths.

Cosmetic Vessel (Cylinder Beaker)

1980–1801 BCE

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

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