Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish
Unknown Artist
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Medium
Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), steatite
Dimensions
L. 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in)
Classification
Cosmetic Spoon, Swimming Woman, Gazelle
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1926
Accession Number
26.2.47
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish* dates to around 1390–1352 B.C., from Egypt's New Kingdom, Dynasty 18—the era of pharaohs like Amenhotep III, when art flourished in celebration of beauty and divine harmony. Crafted from travertine (Egyptianaster), a soft, luminous stone prized for its translucency and ease of carving, with accents in steatite, 22.5 cm tool exemplifies the Egyptians' mastery of delicate stonework. Alabaster's creamy glow evoked purity and luxury, making it ideal for intimate beauty rituals. Shaped as a graceful woman gliding through...