ticketsMember | Make a donation

Ointment jar and cover

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1878–1749 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109
A light blue stone called anhydrite came into use during the 12th Dynasty. This vessel was recovered from a tomb containing two burials, including that of a woman. The ancient Egyptians used stone jars to store perfumed oils, ointments, and cosmetics, items considered essential in life and the afterlife, at least for those who could afford them.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ointment jar and cover
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: late Dynasty 12–early Dynasty 13
  • Date: ca. 1878–1749 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Abydos, Cemetery V, Tomb V21, Egypt Exploration Fund excavations, 1904
  • Medium: Anhydrite
  • Dimensions: H. 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.); Diam. 6.3 cm (2 1/2 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.18.48a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem, Painted red pottery
Jar from the tomb of Sennedjem
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
Hieratic Jar Label, Pottery
Hieratic Jar Label
ca. 1390–1353 B.C.
Blue-painted Jar from Malqata, pottery, slip, paint
Blue-painted Jar from Malqata
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Kohl jar decorated wtih Horus falcon and grotesque figure, Blackened limestone
Kohl jar decorated wtih Horus falcon and grotesque figure
ca. 1550–1295 B.C.
Canopic Jar (07.226.1) with a Lid Depicting a Queen (30.8.54), Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), blue glass, obsidian, unidentified stone
Canopic Jar (07.226.1) with a Lid Depicting a Queen (30.8.54)
ca. 1349–1330 B.C. or shortly thereafter

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.