Cosmetic vessel on a stand

The vase was probably once provided with a flat disk top, and doubtless originally was used as a container for kohl, a cosmetic used for painting the eyelids and eyebrows. It was much favoured by women, not only for decoration but also as a protection for the eyes against the harsh glare of the sun. Kohl was also attributed with healing properties.

This vase is somewhat more elaborate than most surviving containers for kohl, though some close parallels can be cited (see for example Burlington, 1895: pl.20; Wallis, 1898: 14. pl. 8.8; Kayser, 1969: 58.9; Vandier d’Abbadie, 1972: nos. OT243-4′, Boston, 1982: nos. 267-8). There is a band of petal-like decoration below the rim. Below this, the encircling openwork panel consists of a winged Bes figure represented frontally, with serpents flanking his head and bunches of what are possibly flowers or feathers in his hands. He in turn is flanked by two other Bes figures with sa-amulets (signifying ‘protection’) between. One of these Bes figures holds knives, the other proffers a vase. On the opposite side of the panel another winged Bes in profile with serpents holds aloft tiny plaques mounted on neb (or basket) signs, each plaque engraved with the hieroglyphs ankh (‘life’) and was (‘dominion’). Bes is flanked by figures of the goddess Toueris, who has the head of a crocodile and the body of a hippopotamus. She is closely connected with childbirth in the role of a protector. Here she is shown holding knives, and before her is a sa-amulet.

Bes, usually depicted as a fearsome dwarf with a feathered head-dress, is a genial god, pre-eminently associated with the protection of mankind from malevolent powers of all kinds. His other major role was to protect women against the hazards of childbirth.

The stand was apparently made separately and then cemented to the vase, but they have come apart. The former is in the guise of a table or altar with short legs, and is provided with a cornice.