Pyxis with Painted Designs
A popular type of ivory container produced in medieval Sicily was composed of ivory sheets, often nailed together with ivory pegs, and decorated with designs painted in tempera colors, a technique both faster and more economical than carving. On this pyxis, the decoration is now largely faded, but includes lions, arabesques, and floral scrolls. The gilded silver attachments on this example are thought to be original.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pyxis with Painted Designs
- Date: second half 12th–first half 13th century
- Geography: Attributed to Italy, Sicily
- Medium: Ivory; painted, gilded copper alloy mounts
- Dimensions: Overall (with copper mounts): H. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)
W. 4 7/16 in. (11.3 cm)
D. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
Box (without copper mounts): H. 3 15/16 in. (10 cm)
Diam. 3 in. (7.6 cm) - Classification: Ivories and Bone
- Credit Line: Egleston Fund, 1915
- Object Number: 15.107
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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late 12th–early 13th century
12th century
12th century
11th–12th century
11th–12th century
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