Cosmetic Vessel with Inscribed Lid

Cylindrical jar with accompanying lid labelled "eye protection" incised in hieroglyphs. Cylindrical jars with flaring rims like this one is a form generally used to hold ointment or unguents. Disc-shaped lid with a flat boss on the underside, allowing it to fit into the mouth of the cosmetic vessel. Danson Catalogue 2 no. 57. Purchased from the Robert de Rustafjaell collection by Randolph Berens at Sotheby's 20-24 January 1913 Lot 185/2: "a small ungentary and cover, in very fine alabaster, 3 in. high, the sides tapering towards the expanding base; on the cover an inscription (name of contents). And a similar vase, without cover, retaining the remains of its original contents and with the cartouche of Maat-Ka-Ra engraved on its side." CONDITION NOTE 1998: Rim chipped, scratched, surface dirt. On the jar, below rim marked in pencil 'V' and on the base marked in pencil '14009' and 'no 185'. Both lid and jar are marked in ink with Danson's catalogue numbers "no. 57".