Face from a Cosmetic Spoon

Description

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. This delicately carved human face would have decorated an elaborate ivory cosmetic spoon.

Provenance

Purchased from James Ede, Charles Ede, Ltd, London

Face from a Cosmetic Spoon

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1391–1353 BCE

Accession Number

1988.7

Medium

ivory

Dimensions

Overall: 4 x 2.3 cm (1 9/16 x 7/8 in.)

Classification

Cosmetic Objects

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund