About this artwork
Glass containers like this one were used to store kohl, a mineral compound used to dramatic effect to darken eyelids and eyelashes. Containers for cosmetics were fashioned out of a variety of materials in addition to glass, including metal, ivory, bone, and wood. In his writings, the third-century church father Saint Clement of Alexandria (d. 215) mentions white lead, charcoal, and even the “droppings of crocodiles” as common ingredients for cosmetics, although he must be regarded as a hostile witness at best. Nevertheless, the fact that his writings feature such detail about the use of makeup attests to its ubiquity.
Multicompartment kohl containers were formed when a hollow tube of glass was folded in half, thereby creating two tubular containers from one. Over time, the appearance of these vessels became more elaborate and whimsical.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
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Culture
- Byzantine
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Title
- Kohl Container
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Place
- Levant (Object made in)
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Date
- 401 CE–600 CE
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Medium
- Glass, blown technique
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Dimensions
- 12.3 × 5.5 × 4.5 cm (4 7/8 × 2 1/8 × 1 3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson
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Reference Number
- 1947.948
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/62061/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
