Lot 65
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN COSMETIC PALETTE
EGYPT, PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, C. 3600-3100 B.C.
Auction: 26 November 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
carved and polished schist, ovoid shaped with ornamental carved indentations around the rim
Dimensions
13.9cm length
Provenance
Ole Braunstein (1917–1999); acquired prior to 1974, thence by decent
Braunstein was the recipient of the Høyen Prize in 1984
Footnote
Early Egyptian cosmetic pallets first appear in the archaeological record during the predynastic period, traditionally taking geometric form or carved to imitate the shapes of fish or turtles. Early use was mainly functional, being used as a platform to grind and apply paints onto the skin by both men and women. Later uses were also ceremonial, as inclusions for the tombs of the elite, or possibly being used in the process of anointing depictions of the gods.
Exhibitions
Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, 'Antik kunst i dansk privateje', 16 May-31st August 1974, no.1d
Publications
Jette Christiansen, Antik kunst i dansk privateje (Copenhagen, 1974), no.1d