At the height of the Egyptian empire, this lovely vessel may have contained balms, perfumes or cosmetics. Originally colored sky blue, it was adorned with bold patterns in black. As we hold it today, we are aware of the touch of other hands long ago. Perhaps some dark-eyed beauty placed kohl or ground malachite on her eyelids from it. If we close our eyes, we can almost picture her at her toilette, laughing with her friends, anticipating some beloved. Such an object connects us in an intimate way with the world of the past. In its presence, we cross the bridge of time and set the imagination on a wondrous journey of discovery.