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Cosmetic Box of the Royal Butler Kemeni

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1805 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
The incised decoration on the front shows Kemeni presenting ointment to Amenemhat IV, whose headdress is adorned with two feathers, possibly indicating that he was deified after death. The inlaid inscription around the top of the lid contains the names of the king, the titles of Kemeni, and a prayer to the god Sobek.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cosmetic Box of the Royal Butler Kemeni
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: possibly slightly after the death of of Amenemhat IV
  • Date: ca. 1805 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Birabi, pit tomb CC 25, debris, Carnarvon/Carter excavations, 1910
  • Medium: Cedar, with ebony and ivory veneer and silver mounts
  • Dimensions: L. 28.5 cm (11 1/4 in.); W. 17.7 cm (6 15/16 in.); H. 20.3 cm (8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1438
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Cosmetic jar with lid, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Cosmetic jar with lid
ca. 1805 B.C.
Cosmetic jar, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Cosmetic jar
ca. 1805 B.C.
Ointment jar with lid, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Ointment jar with lid
ca. 1805 B.C.
Cosmetic jar with lid, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Cosmetic jar with lid
ca. 1805 B.C.
Cosmetic Box of Kemeni and Mirror of Reniseneb, Cedar, with ebony and ivory veneer and silver mounting
Cosmetic Box of Kemeni and Mirror of Reniseneb
ca. 1814–1805 B.C.

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