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Pyxis
Greek
Hellenistic Period
about 300 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, West Slope ware
Dimensions
10.6 cm (4 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
John Michael Rodocanachi Fund
Accession Number60.934
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionOn top and wall of lid, vine pattern in applied white and cream, unusually well preserved. Part of lower flange missing.
Tall box-shaped pyxis with domed top above wide flange, concave sides; bottom part with wide flange to carry lid, and very narrow foot.
Label text:
Clay with black glaze, thinned clay slip and white overpaint
In the early Hellenistic period, the classical tradition of thinned clay ornament on black glazed vessels was transformed. The slip was no longer gilded (as was the case originally in the large pyxis, number 17). The red color of the slip was left visible, and it was complemented with white paint. This new, more colorful approach has been named after the west slope of the Acropolis of Athens, where the first examples were found.
Tall box-shaped pyxis with domed top above wide flange, concave sides; bottom part with wide flange to carry lid, and very narrow foot.
Label text:
Clay with black glaze, thinned clay slip and white overpaint
In the early Hellenistic period, the classical tradition of thinned clay ornament on black glazed vessels was transformed. The slip was no longer gilded (as was the case originally in the large pyxis, number 17). The red color of the slip was left visible, and it was complemented with white paint. This new, more colorful approach has been named after the west slope of the Acropolis of Athens, where the first examples were found.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: on the art market in Athens; purchased on behalf of MFA by Cornelius C. Vermeule III; September 21, 1960: purchased by MFA from Cornelius C. Vermeule III at the original dealer's total price of
$ 200.00 for 60.932- 60.934
$ 200.00 for 60.932- 60.934