Ivory Unguent Box of Queen Nefertari

Unknown

ca. 1279–1213 BC · Hippopotamus ivory, rosewood · Egyptian Art

This lenticular box with a sharp shoulder and flat swivel lid sits on a cylindrical foot. Around the outer edge of the lid and on one of the flat surfaces for the knobs used to close the container are incised circles. The tiny figure of an animal of some sort sits in front of the other knob. On the lid are the cartouches of Ramesses II and his first principal wife, Nefertari. The purpose of the box is uncertain, but it was likely used for cosmetics.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1279–1213 BC

Medium

Hippopotamus ivory, rosewood

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926