Vessel in the Form of an Ostrich Egg
Unknown Artist
c. 1540–1296 BCE
Medium
travertine
Dimensions
h. 8.6 cm · diam. 8.2 cm
Classification
Vessels
Department
Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust
Accession Number
1914.620
About this artwork
Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. Here the fanciful form is an ostrich egg.