Cylindrical Attic Geometric Lidded Box (Pyxis)

This Attic geometric pyxis (circular box) from Greece is made of terracotta with black slip geometric designs. The lid has a double horse handle, which is typical of the more elaborate examples of this type of vessel. The lid and the pyxis have typical geometric patterns: swastikas, chevrons, meanders, wavy and straight lines, dots, spirals and quatrefoils. Pottery vessels were usually placed in the tomb during the funeral. Most painted pottery was made for use, and so its shapes were practical, in a wide range of forms and sizes.