2003.27 Cosmetic Palette

The upper section of this ornate cosmetic palette depicts a marine monster called a makara. The creature, apparently derived from its Greco-Roman equivalent called a ketos, has a snake-like body, wings, and a dragon’s head. The palette itself is divided into three sections, all of which have a low relief lotus design in the background. The upper part, covering half the palette, features the makara, while the smaller lower quarter sections are empty and were probably used to store cosmetics.

Cultures
Gandhara: AAT: 300018889

Geography 
Afghanistan (nation): TGN: 7016612
Pakistan (nation): AAT: 1000133

Process/materials
schist (rock): AAT: 300011626
sculpture: AAT: 300047090

cosmetic boxes: AAT: 300375705
cosmetic palettes: AAT: 300375707
cosmetics: AAT: 300236306
dragons (mythical beings): AAT: 300375726
lotus (motif): AAT: 300165258
monsters (legendary beings): AAT: 300412118
serpents (snakes/Serpentes suborder): AAT: 300250870
wings (animal components): AAT: 300375053

n.d.-late 1990s: Collection in Germany 

late 1990s-2003: Selim Dere, Fortunata Fine Art Ltd., New York, purchased from above

2003: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Elbrun and Peter Kimmelman and Alvin and Lucy Owsley Foundations, purchased from above

The main source for this provenance is the letter from Sarah E. Cox of Fortunata Fine Arts, Ltd. to David T. Owsley, dated May 1, 2003 copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. 

Apply to objects where number equals 2003.27