An Egyptian grey stone cosmetics mortar, probably for grinding of the materials used for cosmetics such as kohl (made by grinding together a combination of malachite, lead, and oil or fat with a mortar and pestle). The vessel takes the form of a shallow dish, with four lugs, of which one is now missing, and stands on a flattened base.
 
Middle Kingdom: Circa 2000-1800 BC.
 
Fine condition; lug missing.
Width 6.1 cms (2.4 ins).
Height 4 cms (1.6 ins).
 
Provenance: Lot 6; Bonhams Antiquities sale 7 July 2022 (part). American deceased estate, acquired between 1970 and 1989.