Cosmetics Box Collection

The International Exhibition: dressing-case by Messrs. Howell, James, and Co. of Regent-street, 1862 Creator: Unknown
The International Exhibition: dressing-case by Messrs. Howell, James, and Co. of Regent-street, 1862. The exterior of the case is plain in appearance

Covered Cosmetic Box wih Petalled Rosette, Flying Cranes, Stylized Clouds, and Layered... 13th cent Creator: Unknown
Covered Cosmetic Box wih Petalled Rosette, Flying Cranes, Stylized Clouds, and Layered Lotus Petals, Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), 13th century

Oval Cosmetic Box Lid with a Man Being Entertained by a Lyrist, 5th / 6th century
Oval Cosmetic Box Lid with a Man Being Entertained by a Lyrist, 5th/6th century. Ancient region of Gandhara (modern Pakistan)

Lobed Cosmetic Box with Flowering Stems, Southern Song or Yuan dynasty, 13th/14th century. Creator: Unknown
Lobed Cosmetic Box with Flowering Stems, Southern Song (1127-1279) or Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), 13th/14th century

Lobed Cosmetic Box with Peonies, Southern Song or Yuan dynasty, 13th/14th century. Creator: Unknown
Lobed Cosmetic Box with Peonies, Southern Song (1127-1279) or Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), 13th/14th century

Covered Cosmetic Box with Floret Scrolls, Song (960-1279) or Yuan dynasty, c. 12th/13th century. Creator: Unknown
Covered Cosmetic Box with Floret Scrolls, Song (960-1279) or Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), c. 12th/13th century

Covered Cosmetic Box in the Form of Chrysanthemum Flower, Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), late 13th century

Covered Cosmetic Box with Chrysanthemum Flower Heads, Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), mid-13th century

Patch Box, 1721 / 25. Creator: John Dixwell
Patch Box, 1721/25. Container for artificial beauty spots

Hinged cosmetic box in the form of a clam s... Early or mid-Tang dynasty
Hinged cosmetic box in the form of a clams shell with birds and floral scrolls, Early or mid-Tang dynasty, late 7th-early 8th century

Ivory cosmetic box cover depicting a goddess feeding caprids, Tomb at Minet-el-Beida, c1250 BC
Ivory cosmetic box cover showing a goddess feeding caprids, Tomb 3 at Minet-el-Beida, Syria, c1250 BC. From the collection at The Louvre

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This collection of ancient cosmetic boxes showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic beauty of different cultures throughout history. One captivating piece is the Covered Cosmetic Box with Petalled Rosette, Flying Cranes, Stylized Clouds, and Layered design from the 13th century. The unknown creator skillfully crafted intricate details that depict a mesmerizing scene filled with graceful cranes soaring amidst stylized clouds. Another remarkable find is the Oval Cosmetic Box Lid featuring a Man Being Entertained by a Lyrist from the 5th or 6th century. This delicate lid portrays an enchanting moment where a man enjoys music played by a lyrist, capturing both elegance and entertainment in one artwork. The Lobed Cosmetic Box with Flowering Stems from the Southern Song or Yuan dynasty further exhibits the mastery of unknown artisans during this period. The meticulously carved flower stems on its surface exude natural beauty and symbolize growth and vitality. Similarly, another lobed cosmetic box from the same era showcases stunning peonies as its main motif. Peonies were highly regarded for their association with wealth, honor, and prosperity during this time. Moving to Korea's Goryeo dynasty, we encounter two covered cosmetic boxes adorned with chrysanthemum flower heads. These pieces reflect South Korea's rich cultural heritage through their elegant designs inspired by nature's beauty. A unique addition to this collection is John Dixwell's Patch Box created in 1721/25. This intricately designed box demonstrates European influence while maintaining its own distinctive style. Taking us back even further in time is an early or mid-Tang dynasty hinged cosmetic box shaped like a clam shell. Its simplicity highlights Tang aesthetics which valued minimalism yet still managed to captivate viewers' attention. Lastly, an ivory cosmetic box cover discovered at Minet-el-Beida depicts a goddess feeding caprids dating back to c1250 BC Egypt. This ancient artifact showcases the timeless fascination with divine beings and their connection to nature.