Terracotta pyxis (cosmetic box)

Unknown

3rd–2nd century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

on the lid, a relief of Dionysos with maeanads This fine pyxis is decorated in the so-called "West-Slope" technique, named after the site on the Acropolis hill in Athens where pottery of this type was first identified. Distinguishing hallmarks of the technique are the use of incision, added white, and decoration with a dilute slip that produced a superposed red, pink, or orange color on top of the black-glaze ground. Other notable features of this pyxis are the sculpted feet in the shape of lion's paws, and the relief medallion on the lid. These plastic details suggest that this pyxis was made in Macedonia, since other vessels with similar motifs have been found in tombs from this region. In addition to the crisply incised design on the body, the sculptured additions recall metallic prototypes that reflect the Macedonian taste for luxury items in gold and silver.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–2nd century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Macedonian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Madame Politis, in memory of her husband, Athanase G. Politis, Ambassador of Greece to the United States, 1979