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Details
LOT 0474
Egyptian Anhydrite Cosmetic Bowl
MIDDLE KINGDOM, CIRCA 2040-1780 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (33.68 grams, 39 mm).
Conical in profile with rounded rim, narrow disc base; repaired; a rare stone.
Provenance
Ex William Ohly, 1883-1955.
Ex Abbey Museum, Barnet, by descent.
Literature
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, pp.145-146, no. 157, for the type.
Footnotes
Anhydrite, incorrectly called "blue marble" by early excavators, was a stone favoured by the ancient Egyptians from the Middle Kingdom to the Second Intermediate Period. This particular example follows a Middle Kingdom-style cosmetic kohl jar that could be modelled with or without an integral rim.
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