Vessel for inhaling ointments. Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 2040–1782 B.C.

Vessel for inhaling ointments. Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 2040–1782 B.C.
Carved and polished Egyptian alabaster.
Provenance: collection of Bengt Söderbergh (1925–2019), Cannes, France.
Intact.
Measurements: 6.5 cm high; 7 cm in diameter.

This small vessel belongs to a type associated with the use of aromatic and medicinal preparations in ancient Egypt. Its open, compact shape would have allowed the user to bring the contents close to the face to inhale their scent, in a context where ointments, resins, and perfumed substances served hygienic, therapeutic, and ritual purposes.

Its cylindrical structure, slightly flared toward the rim, reflects a minimalist design that allows the material to take center stage. The translucency of the alabaster, its ivory hue, and the reddish vein running horizontally across the body lend the piece its uniqueness. The rounded rim and polished surface attest to the meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of Egyptian stonework.

Egyptian alabaster—a variety of calcite—was particularly prized for its luminosity and its association with precious and fragrant substances. The vessel’s excellent state of preservation, combined with its inclusion in the Bengt Söderbergh Collection, reinforces its archaeological and collectible value.