Ointment Bottle
Unknown Artist
5th–8th century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm) Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, 1900
Accession Number
00.13.15
Art Historical Context
This elegant bronze ointment bottle, dating from the 5th to 8th century, hails from the early Islamic world and exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of the period. Standing just 4 3/4 inches tall with a diameter of 31/2 inches, its compact form was perfectly suited for holding precious cosmetics, perfumes, or medicinal ointments—essentials in daily life and personal grooming across ancient Near Eastern cultures. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of through purchase in 1900 it now resides in the Islamic Art department offering a tangible link to a transformative era. Crafted in bronze, a dura...