Ancient Greece, Geometric period, ca. 8th century BCE. A wonderful pair of leaded bronze pyxides, each presenting a squat, globular body, a flared rim, a rounded bottom with a projecting tubular ornament, and a flat, rhomboid lid. Arching bird protomes extend from each lid, as a single vertical handle extends from the centers of both. Known as "sickle" type pyxides due to their close resemblance to the agricultural implement, examples like these were most likely used to hold sweet and floral perfumed oils or other precious objects. Perforations just before the protomes of each lid and container were used to fasten the body of each vessel to its lid, in order to both safeguard their contents and allow the pyxides to be suspended via the handles. One of the vessels boasts lovely, incised striations across the neck, suspension loops, and body. A verdant green patina envelops both vessels, imbuing them with an elegant presentation evocative of the ancient world! Size of largest: 2.4" W x 3.1" H (6.1 cm x 7.9 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#134678
Condition
Slender perforation to side of non-incised vessel. Other is intact. Both have some abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are excellent with rich patina.