Ancient Pottery Cosmetic & Jewellery Vessels

Cosmetic and jewellery items were everyday items used by both men and women in ancient times. Wearing makeup was a custom in Ancient Egypt: it had multiple purposes, from protecting skin and eyes from the glare of the sun, to symbolizing amulets like the Wedj Eye. Both men and women used powders to mix and make their own cosmetics and make up. Some of these glass bottles were also used to store precious unguents or perfumes, like the Roman glass unguentaria and balsamaria we have in our selection. Jewellery vessels were used to store small jewels and were used among both men and women. In Ancient Roman culture and society wearing jewellery was a public display of wealth and rang and was a custom for both sexes in many ancient cultures.