Egyptian Lidded Cosmetic Vessel

Middle Kingdom, 2050-1652 BC. A small carved double-lidded stone vessel for storing kohl; tapering body with a flat rim and high shoulder, decorated with shallow dots and incised lines; footed base also decorated with shallow incised lines; two discoid lids: the lower lid is decorated with shallow incised lines around the rim, a central circular opening with a surrounding raised lip on the underside; the upper lid is decorated with shallow incised lines around the rim and has a small round knop on the underside, which fits into the round opening in the lower lid. 164 grams total, 55mm (2 1/4"). From an old British private collection; acquired from Astarte Gallery, Cornwall, UK, in 1991. The Egyptians made extensive use of eye paint, and the wide rim of this jar ensured that none of this valuable cosmetic paint went to waste.
Condition Report: Fine condition.