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Pyxis (Container for Personal Objects)
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The Art Institute of Chicago

Pyxis (Container for Personal Objects)

Description

Nine women are depicted in the figured scene that runs right around the vase. The women are presumably in the gynaikeion or women's quarters, and include a seated woman with a book roll, a woman holding wreath, a woman with a mirror, a woman with an alabastron, a woman with a sash, a woman with a lyre, a woman with a mirror, a girl standing stiff and straight to the right, who might be the bride-to-be, and a woman with an alabastron. Vessels of this type were probably used to hold personal effects like cosmetics, jewelry, or other trinkets and were often given as wedding gifts.

Provenance

Jean P. Lambros (1843-1909), Athens, Greece; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1892; price reimbursed by Charles L. Hutchinson.

Dimensions

13.3 × 10.5 cm (5 1/4 × 4 1/8 in.)

Movement / Period

greek

Accession No

616

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Greek; Athens

greek • Athens • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries