ITEM: Cosmetic palette
MATERIAL: Stone
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 8 mm x 120 mm x 91 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Jerusalem private collection, A.K., with Israeli export licence number 57470
PARALLEL: The British Museum Collection Online, Accession number 1982,0729.437

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman stone cosmetic palettes represent an important aspect of ancient grooming practices and material culture. These palettes were used for grinding and mixing cosmetic substances such as kohl, a dark pigment used for eyeliner, and various ointments and pigments for body adornment. Unlike the smaller, portable cosmetic palettes made of materials like bronze or alabaster, stone cosmetic palettes were typically larger and more stationary, often featuring flat surfaces for grinding and mixing cosmetics.

Stone cosmetic palettes were crafted from a variety of materials, including limestone, schist, and alabaster, chosen for their durability and smooth texture. These palettes were often rectangular or oval-shaped, with shallow depressions or grooves carved into the surface to hold the cosmetic substances. Some palettes featured intricate engravings or relief carvings, depicting decorative motifs such as floral patterns, geometric designs, or mythological scenes. These embellishments not only added aesthetic appeal to the palettes but also reflected the artistic tastes and cultural influences of the time.

In addition to their practical function, stone cosmetic palettes held symbolic significance in ancient Roman society. The use of cosmetics was not only a means of enhancing one's appearance but also carried religious and social connotations. Cosmetic preparation and application were often associated with rituals of purification, beautification, and self-care, reflecting cultural ideals of hygiene and personal grooming. Stone cosmetic palettes were sometimes buried as grave goods alongside the deceased, suggesting beliefs in the importance of personal adornment and grooming in the afterlife.

Good condition

0.8 x 12 x 9.1 cm