Kohl Container - Oman - Photos

This is by far my most favorite kohl container. When I have visited Oman for the first time, I went overboard with my spending (not that this would be something extraordinary...). I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the jewelry and having already acquired knowledge about Omani jewelry and pieces in my collection, I simply was in heaven! I must say that I usually stay at a 1 or 2 star hotel in Muttreh (old city and port of Muscat - they do not have any other hotels but those but they are clean and in good shape), in order to be close to the shops before renting a car and driving to the country's interior such as Nizwa and Bahla, etc.! On the last day of my first visit, I have seen the previously posted head cover as well as this kohl pot. While my finances simply did not allow for any more purchases, I passed on both of them. Back in Jordan, these two pieces did not get out of my mind and I contacted the dealer, who immediately remembered me (no wonder...) and we came to an agreement. Hence, I purchased both pieces and he shipped them to me. This was the start to a good friendship and when returning back to Oman, I always visited and purchased from him. He does not have these items in the shop but brings them from home the next day or after the afternoon siesta... A good story. With kind regards. Peter

Dear Peter, Beautiful again. I love the well finished and solid work they do. Here as well, once again the chain is so stunningly made, like the chain on your picture appearing previously with the box pendant. Done in the same style. Every feature on this little treasure is so well done. Now I wonder is all the work of Oman so skillfully done and finished, or are you making a heavy selecion? Like in Ethiopia, most of the pieces are not so well finished and I had to really carefully select.

Love your passion story, you top it all with the craziness of the symtones of collecting. I bet you have also the lovely mint tea while you are visiting the dealer. They are also always so sociable. I had many a lovely Ethiopian coffee and the spices tea(very very sweet) tea. As I am not collecting anymore, I am a bit jealous on those feelings. But Peter, enjoy them are nice memories to carry with you. GR. Ingrid.

Comments

Betty February 19, 2015 at 7:28pm

A fantastic story, Peter. Thanks for sharing it with us.

And, of course: a very beautiful kohl container. I still marvel at the spread of designs as in this case the hinged chain....
Charlotte Dakin-Norris February 19, 2015 at 7:58pm

Thank you Peter. What a lovely thing and it is even better with your story! I love the intricate links and the decoration on the "dibber". It reminds me of medieval bodkin designs.

As an aside, I have tried to source real kohl for a scented bead recipe, but it is a difficult thing to get in the UK.
Sami Yousef February 19, 2015 at 8:23pm

Great story Peter. Wonderful country with very nice people. I believe that in Oman koho is used u both genders so it would interesting to know if there are any differences in the containers designs,
Harald February 19, 2015 at 9:49pm

This is a beauty Peter!

There are different types of khol containers. And different ones for woman and man. When there are people that like to see the difference I can post pictures.
Sami Yousef February 19, 2015 at 9:56pm

I would certainly love to see the pictures and make the comparison. Thanks for the info Harald
Harald February 19, 2015 at 10:28pm

Hello "Silver lover" here is the difference: 2 kohl containers for woman and one for the male. That one can be tucked in to the bullet belt next to the bullets! It looks a bit like a bullet too!
ait ouakli February 20, 2015 at 12:50am

very nice kholholder ( we say khol ) the foto from harald is fantastic too.

Peter. your story is very inetresting and weaking up my deep love to oman and my wish to visite

i can imagine that the shopowner remembers you, for sure you spent hours in his shop before flying back
ingrid Langerak February 20, 2015 at 8:24am

Dear Peter, Beautiful again. I love the well finished and solid work they do. Here as well, once again the chain is so stunningly made, like the chain on your picture appearing previously with the box pendant. Done in the same style. Every feature on this little treasure is so well done. Now I wonder is all the work of Oman so skillfully done and finished, or are you making a heavy selecion? Like in Ethiopia, most of the pieces are not so well finished and I had to really carefully select.

Love your passion story, you top it all with the craziness of the symtones of collecting. I bet you have also the lovely mint tea while you are visiting the dealer. They are also always so sociable. I had many a lovely Ethiopian coffee and the spices tea(very very sweet) tea. As I am not collecting anymore, I am a bit jealous on those feelings. But Peter, enjoy them are nice memories to carry with you. GR. Ingrid.
Sami Yousef February 20, 2015 at 6:23pm

Thank you Harald for posting and for the info. I have seen both types before but i have never gone across the type that Peter showed. It is interesting and unique...Much appreciated.Br
Johanne February 21, 2015 at 12:45pm

Nice item and nice story! Thanks.

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