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Ancient Egyptian

Ointment Jar with Lid

Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12 (about 1985-1773 BCE)
Anhydrite
4.5 × 4.4 cm (1.8 × 1.7 in)

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Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The perfume and scented ointments that both men and women in ancient Egypt wore were also important in religious and funerary rites. This vessel typifies the classic form of ointment jar– with a flaring top and flat disk lid- that was used for over 3,000 years in Egypt.

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