Apartado de Correos 521, El Campello 03560, Espagne
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Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.
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LOT 26:
Greek pyxis with lid
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Prix de départ:
€
140
Prix estimé :
€200 - €220
Commission de la maison de ventes: 8%
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Greek pyxis with lid
ITEM: Pyxis with lid
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th - 2nd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 70 mm x 82 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Emeritus collection (USA), collected from the 1950’s to the 1980’s by a distinguished university professor who served as Department head, Dean and Vice President of a major university.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
In ancient Greek culture, a pyxis with a lid was a small cylindrical container used primarily by women to store cosmetics, jewelry, perfumes, or other valuable personal items. These vessels were typically made from various materials such as clay, metal, or even precious materials like ivory or gold, depending on the owner's wealth and social status. The term ""pyxis"" derives from the Greek word for box or receptacle, emphasizing its function as a storage container.
Pyxides with lids were often decorated with intricate designs and motifs, showcasing the artistic skills of Greek craftsmen. Common decorative elements included scenes from mythology, geometric patterns, floral motifs, and figural representations. The lids of these containers were usually fitted with a knob or handle, facilitating easy opening and closure. Some pyxides also featured inscriptions or dedications, providing insights into their use and significance in ancient Greek society.
Beyond their practical function as containers for personal belongings, pyxides with lids also held symbolic importance in Greek culture. As objects associated with femininity and the private sphere, they were often given as gifts during rites of passage such as weddings or coming-of-age ceremonies. The elaborate decorations adorning these vessels served not only to beautify them but also to convey messages about the owner's taste, status, and cultural identity.
| Measurement: | 8.2 x 7 cm |
| Depth: | 8.2 cm |
