Kohl Pot
ca. 1938-1700 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Cosmetics and Eye Care
Egyptian women and men used eye makeup for both decoration and protection.
The most popular eye cosmetic consisted of ground galena, a dark lead ore, mixed with water or gum to produce a black paste called kohl. It was stored in squat containers usually made of stone. Applied to the rims and lashes, kohl emphasized the eyes’ contours and reduced sun glare, much like lamp-black worn by modern football players.
This ancient cosmetic is still used as eye makeup throughout the Near East.
Egyptian women and men used eye makeup for both decoration and protection.
The most popular eye cosmetic consisted of ground galena, a dark lead ore, mixed with water or gum to produce a black paste called kohl. It was stored in squat containers usually made of stone. Applied to the rims and lashes, kohl emphasized the eyes’ contours and reduced sun glare, much like lamp-black worn by modern football players.
This ancient cosmetic is still used as eye makeup throughout the Near East.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Vessel
- Formatted Medium
- Basalt (probably)
- Locations
- Place made: Egypt
- Period
- Middle Kingdom
- Dimensions
- 37.646Ea: 1 15/16 x Diam. 1 5/8 in. (4.9 x 4.2 cm) 37.646Eb: 1/4 x Diam. 1 3/4 in. (0.7 x 4.4 cm)
- Accession Number
- 37.646Ea-b
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
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