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Cosmetic Vessel (Beaker)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineCosmetic Vessel (Beaker), c. 1859–1814 BCE. Egypt, Middle Kingdom (2040–1648 BCE), Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat III (1860–1814 BCE). Obsidian and gold; diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.); overall: 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.); diameter of base: 2.6 cm (1 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund, 1985.107
