Greece, Corinth, ca. late 6th century BCE. A lidded polychrome pyxis, most likely used to hold cosmetics, ointments, or trinkets - its attractive form comprised of a globular body, corseted shoulder, short neck that flares to an everted rim with three caryatids joining rim to shoulder, all on a flared, concave foot with a knobbed, fitted lid. The surface presents an attractive decorative program with bands of striations and dotted/beaded bands on the body and tongues on the shoulder. What's more, the caryatid supports make this piece extra special. A stunning vessel boasting a lovely silhouette and finely painted as well as modeled decoration. Size: 4.875" Diameter x 5.5" H (12.4 cm x 14 cm)

The caryatid which originated in ancient Greece was a sculpted female figure that functioned as an architectural support, replacing a standard column or pillar and actually supporting a temple's entablature. The most famous caryatids were created for the south porch of the Erechtheion gracing the Acropolis of Athens. The lovely caryatids embellishing this pyxis depict finely modeled and painted busts presenting beautiful visages with naturalistic, feminine features and long coiffures above elegant torsos with painted necklaces and garments.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-private New York, USA collection, acquired at Sotheby's, New York (June, 2000, lot 227)

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#146891

Lid repaired from three pieces. Areas of repair/restoration to vessel walls. Chips to rim of lid and rim of vessel. Small loss to head of one caryatid. Encrustation on underside of base. Indentation to side wall. Repair or stabilized cracks to shoulder/side wall. One caryatid reattached. Nicks to rim of lid, rim of lower vessel, and periphery of base. Expected surface wear with pigment loss and a few scuffs here and there. Still, overall a very rare and impressive piece.