ITEM: Cosmetic bowl / palette
MATERIAL: Stone
CULTURE: Iron Age
PERIOD: 8th - 6th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 20 mm x 88 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Jerusalem private collection, A.K., with Israeli export licence number 57470
BIBLIOGRAPHY: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 1936-929 and 1980-1161

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

During the Iron Age period, cosmetic palettes and bowls held significant cultural and social importance in various ancient civilizations, particularly in regions such as the Near East and Egypt. These artifacts served as both functional tools for cosmetic preparation and as symbols of status and identity within society. Cosmetic palettes from this period typically consisted of flat, circular or oval-shaped pieces of stone or other materials, often adorned with intricate engravings or relief carvings depicting religious, mythological, or symbolic motifs.

In ancient Egypt, cosmetic palettes were widely used for grinding and mixing cosmetics, such as kohl for eyeliner or various ointments and pigments for body adornment. These palettes were crafted from materials like schist, slate, or limestone and were often decorated with elaborate designs that reflected the artistic styles and religious beliefs of the time. Many palettes featured animal motifs, geometric patterns, or scenes from mythology and everyday life, serving as artistic expressions of the cultural milieu in which they were created.

Beyond their utilitarian function, cosmetic palettes also held symbolic significance in ancient societies. In addition to being practical objects for cosmetic preparation, they were often associated with rituals, ceremonies, and beliefs surrounding beauty, health, and spiritual protection. In some cultures, cosmetic palettes were buried as grave goods alongside the deceased, reflecting beliefs in the afterlife and the importance of personal adornment and grooming even in death.

Good condition

2 x 8.8 cm