Artwork Page for Spouted Bowl

Details / Information for Spouted Bowl

Spouted Bowl

c. 2573–2454 BCE

Egypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasty 4

Medium
anorthosite gneiss
Measurements
Diameter: 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.); Diameter of mouth: 9.1 cm (3 9/16 in.); Overall: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna Jr. and various donors by exchange 1985.108
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print

Description

Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The luxurious obsidian and gold beaker hints at the precious contents it once held. Others are fanciful in form, such as an ostrich egg. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, himself is the subject of a colorful jar. The delicately carved human face and the head of a giraffe decorated elaborate ivory cosmetic spoons.
A translucent anorthosite gneiss bowl curves into a rounded basin topped by a flared rim. An open spout projects outward on our right. Dark gray flecks and charcoal streaks pepper the cream-colored stone, mottling its polished surface. A fine fissure splits the rim on our left. The vessel's smooth contours cast a soft, elongated shadow across the uniform gray background.

Spouted Bowl

c. 2573–2454 BCE

Egypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasty 4

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