Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom Alabaster Cosmetic Dish

A fine Ancient Egyptian alabaster vessel featuring a hemispherical body, a thick rim and a flat base. Minor chips to the rim to the surface.

Alabaster has been used for centuries by several cultures, including the Egyptians, who used this elegant stone to carve a number of vessels, in varying sizes and craftsmanship. It was a material used especially for cosmetics such as kohl and ointments much like this example. Cosmetics were a large industry in ancient Egypt, produced professionally and sold in the marketplace. Makeup was worn by men and women alike. Cosmetics also had spiritual and ritual significance, thought to offer protective function against evil influences as well as the harsh sunlight.

Measurements: W 3. 6 cm x H 1. 4 cm

Provenance: Ex Belinda Ellison (deceased) , member of The Egyptian Exploration Society, collected 1940s-1990s