Artwork Page for Kohl Container

Details / Information for Kohl Container

Kohl Container

1540–1296 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18

Medium
wood
Measurements
Overall: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm (1 11/16 x 1 x 11/16 in.); Applicator: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1914.671
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

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.
A dark brown, cylindrical wooden container features prominent vertical grain and fine cracks. A flat, light tan wooden lid caps the base, topped by a small, rounded knob on the left and a long, slender applicator rod on the right. This vertical rod is several times taller than the base, widening slightly at its weathered, rounded tip.

Kohl Container

1540–1296 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18

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