Bactrian Bronze Jar for Storing Kohl - Eye Cosmetic Circa 3rd-2nd millennium BC A bronze vessel with a broad, angular body tapering towards a narrow foot with a spreading base. The shoulders slope upwards to a tall cylindrical neck terminating in a flared, disc-shaped rim. Kohl is a dark cosmetic used to outline the eyes and accentuate their appearance. Its principal ingredients varied across regions and periods, but commonly included finely ground mineral pigments such as galena, a naturally occurring lead sulphide. Applied with a slender stick, kohl was used by both men and women and had a long history across Egypt, the Near East and Central Asia. Beyond its cosmetic function, it was traditionally believed to protect the eyes against intense sunlight, dust and certain eye diseases. Size: 9cm x 5cm x 5cm Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s. COMBINED SHIPPING We offer combined shipping only for items purchased in the same auction. You need to pay for these together; otherwise, the system will not combine shipping. We don't combine and refund shipping afterwards. SHIPPING WITHIN THE EU ONLY! We ship exclusively to addresses within the European Union. Please ensure that you can provide an EU delivery address before bidding.