Attic Red-Figure Pyxis

Culture: Greek/Attic

Period: 5th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 16 cm in diameter (lid); 7.5 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2311

Provenance: William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), Beverly Hills. Thence collection Hans Kürsteiner, Zug, Switzerland, acquired in the late 1950s or early 1960s from Herbert A. Cahn in Basel.

Condition: Pyxis and lid reassembled from several pieces, but without any missing parts. Painting on the pyxis in some areas rubbed.

Description: Beautiful terracotta box (pyxis) with magnificent, red-figure painting on the belonging lid. Depicted is a young woman with a floor-length gown facing Eros, who hands her a veil. On the opposite side the young woman faces in the same gown a nude young man who has only a coat thrown over. He is possibly her groom. Wedding scenes are typical for this kind of pyxis where usually jewellery was kept. The pyxis itself stands on a set off ring foot and has on the sides encircling floral decoration.