Marble pyxis (box)
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.Technical analysis: Ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence examination, optical microscopy
This vessel, carved from white marble with grey veins, is intact except for small losses on the rim, several of which have been filled and inpainted. There are also losses to the lug handles. Brown accretions on the surface are concentrated on the lower half of the vessel and especially on the interior.
This diminutive container is finely carved. The shape is roughly spherical, with a somewhat flat underside and a flared rim. Double lug handles on either side of the vessel are perforated for the attachment of a lid that is now missing. Such a small container may have been used to hold cosmetics, jewelry, and pigments. Many utilitarian vessels like this one, used in everyday life, also accompanied the deceased in graves.
Alexis Belis and Wendy Walker
This vessel, carved from white marble with grey veins, is intact except for small losses on the rim, several of which have been filled and inpainted. There are also losses to the lug handles. Brown accretions on the surface are concentrated on the lower half of the vessel and especially on the interior.
This diminutive container is finely carved. The shape is roughly spherical, with a somewhat flat underside and a flared rim. Double lug handles on either side of the vessel are perforated for the attachment of a lid that is now missing. Such a small container may have been used to hold cosmetics, jewelry, and pigments. Many utilitarian vessels like this one, used in everyday life, also accompanied the deceased in graves.
Alexis Belis and Wendy Walker
Artwork Details
- Title: Marble pyxis (box)
- Period: Early Cycladic II
- Date: ca. 2700–2400/2300 BCE
- Culture: Cycladic
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: Height: 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm)
Width: 3 7/8 in. (9.9 cm)
Diameter: 3 7/16 in. (8.8 cm)
Thickness: 1/8 in. (.3 cm) - Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Leonard N. Stern Collection, Loan from the Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Culture
- Object Number: L.2022.38.138
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art