Pyxis with lid

The vase-type known as pyxis is attested in the Aegean since prehistoric times. It had small size and was used as a container for cosmetics and jewellery. In the 8th c. BC, however, a monumental type of pyxis appeared. It was decorated with dense geometric motifs and horse figurines on the lid, and was used as an offering in rich burials. The symbolism of the horses is not entirely clear, but they may have been meant to indicate the aristocratic status of the deceased. According to another opinion, they may have symbolized chariot races, which took place in honour of important members of the community.

The vase is the product of an Attic workshops of the late 8th c. BC. Similar vases have been found in the large cemeteries of Kerameikos and Ancient Agora at Athens, as well as in various burial plots around the Acropolis. The two small holes on the left side of the lid were used for securing the lid to the main body. Similar holes exist on the right side of the vessel

PUBLICATION

– Brouskari M.M. 1979. ‘Collection Paul Canellopoulos (XIV). Vases géométriques’, Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 103, 1979, 429-460, ειδ. 448-451.
– Moschonesioti S. 2006. Catalogue no. 22, in Choremi-Spetsieri Α. – Zarkadas Α. (eds), The Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum. Ancient Art, Athens, 42-43.