RARE EGYPTIAN DOUBLE KOHL TUBE FROM THE ROYAL TOMB OF LADY TAMA - PUBLISHED

ew Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BC. A wooden double kohl container comprising two parallel cylindrical compartments, each with a deep tubular cavity, a thickened circular rim and a flat base. The compartments are joined along their adjoining sides, with two correspondingly shaped lids connected by a central bridge and forming a single closure. The exterior is decorated with finely incised geometric and vegetal ornament, the recessed details contrasting with the dark wood through a pale inlay or paste filling. Three horizontal registers of repeating pendant lotus petal motifs encircle each cylinder, separated by broad undecorated bands and fine parallel lines. The lids are particularly elaborate, each with a pair of royal cartouches enclosed within concentric circular borders and an outer frieze of closely spaced triangular motifs. The cartouches identify Amenhotep III by his throne name, Nebmaatre, and his Great Royal Wife, Queen Tiye. The narrow vertical edges of the lids are decorated with short parallel incisions. Projecting rectangular tabs extend from the outer ends of the connected lids, each pierced with a circular hole. Additional peg holes and traces of former fittings are visible along the exterior of the container. The two compartments retain remnants of compacted kohl, an ancient Egyptian eye cosmetic traditionally applied with a slender rod. For similar see: Louvre Museum E 11045 ; AF 2851The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number 26.7.1446. Size: 90mm x 60mm; Weight: 75g Provenance: Prince Collection, 1990s–2014; Ex. collection Tigrane Pascha d'Abro. Exhibited: Antikenmuseum Basel 2003-2007. Literature: Damnos. Collection d'antiquities. Pl.XLV1,452. Quibeli. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece is accompanied by a report from Lisa Sartini, Egyptologist PHD of Chimera Heritage Consultants.

Estimate:£20,000

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