Object Description
A truly exquisite and rare Mesopotamian cream-coloured marble cosmetic jar, finely carved in the shape of an ox. The animal is depicted standing, with a globular pot resting on its back, a vestigial spout between its horns and a lug handle to the back. The spout isn’t connected to the small pot, hence only acting as a decorative element. The animal’s features are naturalistically rendered. This little quaint jar would have served as the container for precious unguents, lotions or cosmetics. The item comes with an original note from late Professor W. G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology.
Date: Circa 3000-2500 BC