Kohl Bottle in the Shape of a Duck
Unknown Artist
17th–18th century
Medium
Iron; cast and engraved, gold overlay, inlaid eyes
Dimensions
H. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm) W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) D. 3/8 in. (1 cm) Wt. 2.4 oz. (68 g)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur Jaffe, 1976
Accession Number
1976.159.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic collection, this charming *Kohl Bottle in the of a Duck* dates to the 17th–18th century Crafted as a portable container for kohl—an ancient eyeliner paste used across Islamic cultures for beauty and protection against the evil eye—this diminutive vessel (just over 2 inches tall) blends everyday utility with whimsical artistry. Its duck form, complete with inlaid eyes that catch the light, reflects the Islamic tradition of zoomorphic designs, where animals symbolized grace, fertility, or good fortune. The unknown artisan masterfully worked in...