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Undecorated Kohl Jar

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
Kohl Containers

Eye makeup has been used for millennia.


Ancient Egyptian men and women used a dark substance called kohl as eye makeup for nearly four thousand years, from the Predynastic Period until the Roman occupation in the fourth century c.e. Kohl emphasized the eyes, reduced sun glare, and repelled flies. The common presence of kohl containers in burials indicates that the Egyptians believed these concerns would continue in the afterlife.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster
  • Place Excavated: Sawama, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (3.5 x 4.5 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 14.639
    CREDIT LINE Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Undecorated Kohl Jar, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (3.5 x 4.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 14.639. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.14.639_erg456.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.14.639_erg456.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 9/6/2007
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