Paint Box of Vizier Amenemope, c. 1427-1401 BC
Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18 (1540-1296 BC), reign of Amenhotep II
This paint box still preserves its original cakes of pigment: one cake each of red (red ocher), blue (Egyptian blue), green (a mixture of Egyptian blue, yellow ocher, and orpiment) and two of black (carbon black, from charcoal). It belonged to Amenemope, who was vizier, or prime minister, under Amenhotep II. Amenemope probably used his paint box for recreation.
This little 3,000 year old gem is in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. While it is not currently in the galleries, it was quite a thrill to see it when it was on exhibit. Obviously a well and fondly used possession, seeing it transported me back in time.
Gunsmoke and Knitting 