Middle Kingdom, Early 12th Dynasty (ca. 1990–1900 B.C.)
The cat first appears in painting and relief at the end of the Old Kingdom, and this cosmetic jar is the earliest-known three-dimensional representation of the animal in Egyptian art. The sculptor demonstrates a keen understanding of the creature’s physical traits, giving the animal the alert, tense look of a hunter rather than the elegant aloofness seen in later representations. The rock-crystal eyes, lined with copper, enhance the impression of readiness.
Height 14 cm Width 6.2 cm Length 13.7 cm
Egyptian alabaster, copper and quartz crystal
