Art Institute of Chicago

Cosmetic Jar

Byzantine

5th-7th century

Attribution

Byzantine; Syria or Egypt

Medium

Glass, core-formed technique

Physical dimensions

H.: 5.1 cm (2 in.)

Credit line

Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson

From the museum

Glass containers were used to store cosmetics, including scented oils and kohl, a mineral compound used to dramatic effect to darken eyelids and eyelashes. Containers for cosmetics were fashioned out of a variety of materials in addition to glass, including metal, ivory, bone, and wood. In his writings, the third-century church father Saint Clement of Alexandria (d. 215) mentions white lead, charcoal, and even the “droppings of crocodiles” as common ingredients for cosmetics, although he must be regarded as a hostile witness at best. Nevertheless, the fact that his writings feature such detail about the use of makeup attests to its ubiquity.

Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0