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Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes

664–525 BCE

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, is the subject of this colorful jar.

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  • Title: Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes
  • Date Created: 664–525 BCE
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 9.3 x 6.1 x 4.1 cm (3 11/16 x 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 in.)
  • Provenance: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Type: Vessels
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1995.13
  • Medium: Egyptian blue
  • Fun Fact: Bes was the Egyptian god of many things, including cosmetics, war, and childbirth.
  • Department: Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art
  • Culture: Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 26
  • Credit Line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
  • Collection: Egypt - Late Period
  • Accession Number: 1995.13
The Cleveland Museum of Art

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