Cosmetic products, such as eyeliner, lotions and unguents were widely used in the ancient Near East. This vessel was employed to store kohl, a cosmetic made of a lead sulphide called “galena”, used to contour or darken the eyelids. The use of kohl was not only aesthetic; it is thought to have originally been used as protection against a myriad of eye ailments, and also as protection against the harsh glare of the sun. However, the vessel might have also been placed in temples, shrines or graves as a votive offering. Indeed, compartmented containers of marble or alabaster, materials reserved for the elite or the divine, are one of the most significant objects yielded from temples of the Early Dynastic II-III (circa 2700-2350 BC), recovered extensively across ancient Mesopotamia. Such votive vessels often featured finely engraved and realistically presented zoomorphic images. Horns, alongside wings and claws, were key features in the faunal art of such temple objects as expressions of power and divinity, or as representations of the gods themselves. Goats, including mountain goats such as ibexes, feature prominently in Mesopotamian art and religion, reflecting their central role in early Near Eastern civilisation.
Mesopotamian Alabaster Double Kohl Jar with Engraved Horned Animal Heads
£ 750.00
A finely engraved Mesopotamian alabaster double kohl jar featuring skilfully engraved zoomorphic decoration. The jar is composed of two connected, dual compartmented containers, each carved in a cylindrical shape with a rounded base and a flattened rim. The outward side of each container has been intricately carved with the image of a stylised animal head featuring long horns, perhaps an ibex. Each head is enhanced with finely rendered ears, antlers, snout and facial features. Beneath the rim, an incised herringbone pattern encircles the neck, echoed in the horns of the animal heads. Light scratches, indentations and earthy encrustations feature to the surface. There are some chips and wear to the rim.
Provenance: From a London family collection, thence by descent, 1988.
Condition: Very good. Minor wear and earthy encrustations to the surface. Chips to the rim.
In stock
| Weight | 136.4 g |
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| Dimensions | L 7 x W 3.7 x H 4.8 cm |
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