Khol Vase - 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom (1550-1307 Bc)

Kohl vase - 18th dynasty, New Kingdom (1550-1307 BC)

Large (8.2cm) Egyptian alabaster (calcite) kohl vase, of slightly flared cylindrical form resting on a flat base. The interior, hollowed out with a drill, retains concentric traces of manufacture visible beneath the polished surface. This type of vessel was designed to hold cosmetic substances or ointments.
This vase is distinguished by its size, significantly larger than the majority of examples still visible today, standing 4-6cm high.

Kohl occupied an important place in ancient Egyptian toiletry. Prepared from ground minerals, it was applied around the eyes for aesthetic as well as protective reasons. The Egyptians attributed to it medicinal virtues against eye irritations and an apotropaic function linked to eye protection. Small alabaster jars for its preservation frequently accompanied funerary furnishings.

Provenance: Christies, sale April 12, 2000 (see photo)

Bibliography
- Jeanne Vandier d'Abbadie, Catalogue des objets de toilette égyptiens
- Barbara Aston, Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels
- Exhibition catalog, Egypt's Golden Age: The Art of Living in the New Kingdom 1558-1085 B.C.

Examples of similar size
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010005015
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010013479
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010013313

Smaller copies
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010344292
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010344262
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010344278
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010011255
- Louvre: https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010011317
- British museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA29336
- MET museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/546929
- MET museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/546892
- MET museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/546884
- MET museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/543961