Cosmetic Box of Kemeni and Mirror of Reniseneb

Unknown

ca. 1814–1805 B.C. · Cedar, with ebony and ivory veneer and silver mounting · Egyptian Art

Middle Kingdom high officials possessed a variety of luxury goods that were used in life but were also appropriate for a tomb. The box belonged to the royal butler Kemeni, who is depicted on one end making offerings to the deified king Amenemhat IV. It originally contained eight jars, likely filled with sacred oils used in funerary rituals. An official named Reniseneb owned the mirror, which had solar and afterlife symbolism.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1814–1805 B.C.

Medium

Cedar, with ebony and ivory veneer and silver mounting

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926