DISCOVERART

Ancient Greek

Pyxis (Container for Personal Objects)

730-720 BCE
terracotta
33 × 33.3 cm (13 × 13.1 in)

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Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Ceramic vessels decorated with repetitive linear designs were so popular during the 8th and 7th centuries BC that the term Geometric applies to both the style and the time period (800–600 BC). The body of this container is decorated with popular ornamentations, among them Greek key pattern, or meanders, as well as checkerboard patterns, dotted and crosshatched lozenges, and chevrons. The handle of this vase takes the form of horses standing side by side, suggesting a team for a four-horse chariot. Ownership of horses was an important indicator of financial status, since only the wealthy could afford to possess and train them.

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