Archaeology & Antiquities
Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes
Permanent ExhibitionVessel
Details
- Author / creator
- Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 26
- Object type
- Archaeology
- Date or period
- 664–525 BCE
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 9.3 × 6.1 × 4.1 cm
- Site or findspot
- Abydos, Egypt
- Cultural period
- Ancient
- Place of origin
- Egypt
- Acquisition method
- Purchase
- Credit line
- Purchased with the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, 1995
About this object
Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, is the subject of this colorful jar.
Materials and technique
Egyptian blue
