Middle Kingdom Egyptian Greywacke Cosmetic Palette, ca. 2040–1786 BCE

Description

Of rectangular form, the flat sides taper to a smaller flat base, a rectangular depression on the top surface to assist with grinding that shows good signs of use.    Palettes, such as this example, were used as mortars for grinding cosmetic pigments for painting the face and eyes. 

cf: Bourriau, J.  ‘Pharaohs and Mortals. Egyptian Art in the Middle Kingdom‘ (Cambridge, 1988), p.145, no.152. Another example can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acquisition number 15.3.1131).

Dimensions: Length: 4 3/8 inches (11.11 cm), Width: 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm)

Condition: Losses to the corners and sides, and some surface wear, but overall intact.

Provenance: Private Swiss collection acquired between 1968 – 1978.