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Terracotta box of a pyxis

ca. 3200–2800 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151
The pyxis—a small, round box with a lid—rarely appears in terracotta in Cycladic art. A cord strung through the pierced lugs on either side would have secured a lid, which is now missing. The incised chevron designs, perhaps imitating the braided grass of basketry, appear on other pyxides, as well as on the two contemporary silver bowls (46.11.1 and 1972.118.152) displayed in the case nearby.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta box of a pyxis
  • Period: Early Cycladic I
  • Date: ca. 3200–2800 BCE
  • Culture: Cycladic
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H.: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
    Diam.: 4 7/16 in. (11.2 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Claude Claire Grenier Gift, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.497
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Terracotta kernos (vase for multiple offerings), Terracotta, Cycladic
Terracotta kernos (vase for multiple offerings)
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ca. 2300–1900 BCE
Terracotta box of a pyxis (small box), Terracotta, Cycladic
Terracotta box of a pyxis (small box)
Cycladic
ca. 3000–2800 BCE
Marble lid of a spool pyxis, Marble, Cycladic
Marble lid of a spool pyxis
Cycladic
ca. 2700–2200 BCE
Terracotta collared jar with four lug handles, Terracotta, Cycladic
Terracotta collared jar with four lug handles
Cycladic
ca. 2700–2200 BCE
Fragment of a terracotta offering vessel, Terracotta, Cycladic
Fragment of a terracotta offering vessel
Cycladic
ca. 2700–2300 BCE

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