Cosmetic palette
Pakistan or Afghanistan, Gandharan, 2nd–3rd century
Schist
4 7/8 in. (12.383 cm)
Gift of the Elbrun and Peter Kimmelman and Alvin and Lucy Owsley Foundations, 2003.27

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.