Geometric Bronze Pyxis

Culture: Greek

Period: 8th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 12.6 cm high

Price: 1 800 Euro

Ref: 2652

Provenance: Private collection R. H., New York, acquired in the 1990s. Last in the art market in Chicago.

Condition: Intact

Description: Finely worked out bronze pyxis with belonging lid dating to the Greek Geometric period. The bulbous body tapers towards the ovoid opening and is embellished with incised decoration on the rim. Stylized bird heads with long beaks protrude on the two narrow sides. The lid has a top that matches the bird heads and closes the vessel. In the centre of the lid a cylindrical handle with a button final. The vessel and the lid with perforations through which the pyxis was closed in ancient times. Beneath the body an ornament created by cutwork from where also stylized animal heads symmetrically protrude. In the vessel such as the present one precious objects were stored. From a Macedonian workshop. Mounted.