Near East, Northeast Persia / Iran, Khorassan, Seljuq (Saljuq/Seljuk) period, ca. 12th to 13th century CE. A cast-brass container used to hold a cosmetic known as kohl. The vessel rests atop a quartet of sinuous legs and has a compressed body, four spherical bells with rattle balls within, a tapered cylindrical neck, and a flared rim on top. Kohl vessels like this example were typically accompanied by slender applicators that rested inside the neck and doubled as stoppers, so the contents were safely contained within. Perhaps this bell form was ideal for alerting an attendant to help apply the kohl. A rich patina covers the surface of this interesting vessel! Size: 4" W x 5.75" H (10.2 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-New Material Culture, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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#143386

All four bells contain balls, but only make a rattling noise. Some imperfections from casting. Nicks to high pointed areas. Dark patina.