Cosmetic Vessel (Beaker)

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. This luxurious obsidian and gold beaker hints at the precious contents it once held.

Provenance

Purchased from Peter Scharrer, New York

Cosmetic Vessel (Beaker)

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c. 1859–1814 BCE

Accession Number

1985.107

Medium

obsidian and gold

Dimensions

Diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.); Overall: 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.); Diameter of base: 2.6 cm (1 in.)

Classification

Vessels

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund