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Kohl Jar

New Kingdom
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116
Hatnefer (36.3.1), the mother of Senenmut (36.3.252), received a rich burial in a small rock-cut tomb near that of her son. Her grave goods were deposited alongside her fine wooden coffin and included many objects from daily life. Inside one of the decorated baskets (36.3.59) were a smaller basket (36.3.60), an alabaster jar (36.3.61) , and this graceful kohl jar (36.3.63) with its wooden applicator (36.3.62). The jar had a crusty residue inside that was identified as galena, one of the minerals used as an eye cosmetic by the Egyptians. Hatnefer undoubtedly used the little eye-paint container and applicator during her lifetime.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Kohl Jar
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: reign of Thutmose II–Early Joint reign
  • Date: ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose (below TT 71), Inside 36..59a, b (Basket "O"), MMA excavations, 1935–36
  • Medium: Serpentinite, galena
  • Dimensions: H. 5.5 cm (2 3/16 in.); Greatest diam. 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.); D. 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1936
  • Object Number: 36.3.62
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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