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Kohl Tube in the Shape of a Monkey Holding a Vessel

New Kingdom
ca. 1550–1450 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 117
The Egyptians' use of eye cosmetics to enhance beauty and for prophylactic purposes is well documented both in artistic representations and by the cosmetic vessels that have been preserved from the earliest times. The most common substance utilized in the New Kingdom was kohl, a dark gray powder made from galena. Kohl was frequently stored in decorated tubes with long, slim sticks made of polished wood or stone as applicators. As in earlier periods, representations of monkeys often decorated cosmetic vessels in the New Kingdom. In this example the monkey stands balanced on its tail, its left leg slightly forward and its hands clasping a kohl tube. The ears, the ridges above the eyes, the nose, and the tufts of hair on the cheeks were carved with care. The stone was covered with a thick glaze ranging in color from light to dark blue-green, but the grain of the stone is still visible, giving the impression of heavily veined turquoise.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Kohl Tube in the Shape of a Monkey Holding a Vessel
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Date: ca. 1550–1450 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Steatite (glazed)
  • Dimensions: h. 6 cm (2 3/8 in); w. 4.1 cm (1 5/8 in)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.281.101
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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