Ointment Jar
New Kingdom
The shape of this tall, flaring jar first appeared during the Pyramid Age, more than 1000 years before this example was made. Originally, it probably had a round, flat lid and was used to store a cosmetic oil or ointment for moisturizing the skin. The jar was excavated by the Museum's Egyptian Expedition in 1916. It had been placed near the head of a coffin along with a number of other objects that came to the Museum when the finds were divided with the Egyptian Antiquities Service. These include two other alabaster jars (16.10.421, 16.10.424), another smaller ointment jar of serpentine (16.10.422), two pottery vessels (16.10.427–.428), a small ivory cosmetic box (16.10.425), and three ivory combs (16.10.428–.430).
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
