An ancient Egyptian Middle Kingdom serpentine kohl vessel of broad circular form with raised rim and flattened bottom.
Middle Kingdom.
Ca. 2133 - 1786 BC.
Height: 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm.)
Black galena (lead sulfide) based kohl (Egyptian: mesmedet) was not only used for beauty but also for religious, symbolic, and practical reasons as it worked as a natural disinfectant and protected the eyes from the bright sunlight.
Formerly in the collection of Jerome Eisenberg, New York.