Examples of similar cosmetic palettes have been found in the Southern Jordan area and seem to have been utilised by various cultures. This example is undecorated, perhaps an unfinished prototype. Other samples were decorated with concentric circles and their heads styled to resemble birds heads or human heads. It has been argued that they were imitations of shell cosmetic palettes from Greece and Assyria; the smooth alabaster mimicking the lustrous, natural shell.
Western Asiatic Edomite Alabaster Cosmetic Palette
£ 1,050.00
A Western Asiatic, Edomite cosmetic palette, made from creamy-white alabaster. The item is trapezoidal in form, tapering slightly towards the top. Towards the top of the palette is a raised head, perforated with a round cell, probably used to hold a decorative inlay. The palette has also been pierced.
Condition: Excellent. Shape still intact and stable condition. Chipping around the edges of the palette and around the cell at the top. Very minor scratches to the surface.
| Weight | 868.1 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 19.2 x W 13.6 x H 1.3 cm |
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
| Stone | Alabaster |
Reference: For a similar item, Christie’s, New York, Antiquities Auction 2007, 4th June 2008, Lot 82
