Bone pyxis (box with lid)

1st half of 1st century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 166
Most Roman pyxides made from pieces of animal bone are, like these examples, relatively plain and display a simple charm and elegance. They probably formed part of a lady's cosmetic or trinket set. The taller pyxis (2000.5a, b) may have been found in Rome, together with the rock crystal and silver spoon (2000.1) also displayed in this case.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bone pyxis (box with lid)
  • Period: Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian
  • Date: 1st half of 1st century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Bone
  • Dimensions: Overall (box): 15/16 x 2 1/16 in. (2.5 x 5.3 cm); diameter of lid 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
  • Classifications: Miscellaneous-Bone, Ivory
  • Credit Line: Gift of Carlos A. Picón, in memory of Lydia Mannara, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.507a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Bone pyxis (box with lid) - Roman - Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian - The Metropolitan Museum of Art