Egyptian Coptic Wood Kohl Vessels

$372.57

A selection of three Egyptian Coptic vessels for kohl. INDIVIDUALLY PRICED.

a) A narrow, cylindrical vessel with removable and decoratively turned top. Height 4.2 cm. Repaired

b) A wide pot, decoratively turned on the base, though missing its lid. Height 3.8 cm.

c) Ball-shaped pot, standing on a small foot, and with decorative groove around the centre. Height 3.2 cm. There is a stable drying crack to one side.

Date: Circa 6th Century AD
Provenance: English private collection of Surgeon Commander Peter Grey RN.
Condition: Very fine condition. Repairs to item A
$372.57
Choice of item A B C
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SKU: AS-2060 Category: Tags: ,

Vessels of this kind were used to store kohl, before it was applied to the body with a glass rod or reed. Kohl comes from a lead sulphide called “galena”, which was considered to have disinfecting and fly-deterrent properties, and is found frequently prescribed for assorted eye complaints in medical papyri. The Ancient Egyptians (both men and women) wore kohl on their eyelids as protection against the glare of the sun. In addition to this practical use, outlining the eyes could also have been a way of drawing a protective amulet, such as the Wadjet Eye, right onto the skin. To make kohl, the galena was first ground up on a palette, with water or animal fat then added to create a paste. This paste would have adhered to the skin, with soot also added to produce a darker coloured kohl.

Weight 23.32 g
Dimensions cm
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