Large Ointment Jar with Lid

Unknown

ca. 1479–1425 B.C. · Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) · Egyptian Art

This flaring beaker is a type of jar used for ointments from the time of the earliest dynasties. It appears in the decoration and offering lists of Old Kingdom tombs as early as Dynasty 3. This is one of the vessel shapes associated with the seven sacred oils and is found in specially made boxed sets such as the one from the tomb of Princess Sithathoryunet of Dynasty 12 (16.1.33a, b–16.1.44), and in foundation deposits (see 25.3.46a, b; 25.3.47a, b).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1479–1425 B.C.

Medium

Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1920