A NEW KINGDOM GREEN-GLAZED STEATITE OPENWORK KOHL POT

DYNASTY XVIII, 1550-1307 B.C.

Details

A NEW KINGDOM GREEN-GLAZED STEATITE OPENWORK KOHL POT
dynasty xviii, 1550-1307 b.c.
On an openwork rectangular stand, in imitation of a table, supported by four feet framing panels of fret work decorated on two sides with djed-pillars and on two sides with ankh-signs alternating with djed-pillars and knots-of-Isis, the cylindrical kohl container masked behind an openwork design of six distinct panels, depicting the hippopotamus goddess Theoris, a quadruped with an ankh-sign above its back, a quadruped looking back at it with a knot-of-Isis on its back, Bes, a second quadruped with an ankh-sign, and a second image of Bes, with a continuous scrolling border above, the ovoid shoulder tapering to a thin neck, a disk rim above, its diameter equal to that of the body, with a separately-made lid, the underside fitted with a plug securing it in place, the upper surface incised with a depiction of the goddess Hathor (or Bat) plumed with horns and bovine ears, between lotuses
4.1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) high including the lid

Lot Essay

The eye make-up contained within the kohl pot was ritually applied according to its protective devices and deities. Ancient Egyptian magico-medical prescriptions caution one against the possibility of evil entering the body through the five orifices of the head, of which the two eyes were the most common conduits. The application of kohl to the eyes block that entry and protect the made-up individual from those dangers.

For other similar openwork kohl pots on stands see nos. 267-268 in Brovarski, Egypt's Golden Age.