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Cosmetic Box from the tomb of Sennedjem

New Kingdom, Ramesside
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 126
The lid of this box, which is attached at the back with horizontal pivots, opens to reveal four compartments for cosmetics. The box could be secured by winding a piece of twine around the two knobs at the front. Its elaborate decoration was intended to imitate more expensive boxes inlaid with ebony, ivory, and perhaps cedar or mahogany.

The box is from the tomb of Sennedjem, who was an artist living in the time of Ramesses II. Other objects in the collection that were discovered in the same tomb can be viewed here.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cosmetic Box from the tomb of Sennedjem
  • Period: New Kingdom, Ramesside
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 19
  • Reign: reign of Ramesses II
  • Date: ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Medina, Tomb of Sennedjem (TT 1), Egyptian Antiquities Service/Maspero excavations, 1885–86
  • Medium: Gessoed and painted wood
  • Dimensions: H. 16 cm (6 5/16 in); w. 33 cm (13 in); d. 33 cm (13 in)
  • Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1886
  • Object Number: 86.1.8
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Cosmetic Box with a Swivel Top, Ivory, Egyptian Blue
Cosmetic Box with a Swivel Top
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.
Cosmetic set of Kohl Tube and Applicator, Razor, Tweezers, Whetstone, and Mirror, Bronze or copper alloy, stone, ivory, wood
Cosmetic set of Kohl Tube and Applicator, Razor, Tweezers, Whetstone, and Mirror
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.
Shabti box and shabtis of members of the Sennedjem family, Painted wood, limestone, and ink
Shabti box and shabtis of members of the Sennedjem family
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
Game of Hounds and Jackals, Ebony, ivory
Game of Hounds and Jackals
ca. 1814–1805 B.C.
Game Box for Playing Senet and Twenty Squares, Ivory, copper alloy, modern wood
Game Box for Playing Senet and Twenty Squares
ca. 1635–1458 B.C.

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