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Spherical pyxis
Early Aegean, Cycladic
Bronze Age, Early Cycladic II Period
about 2700–2200 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Marble
Dimensions
Height: 7.2 cm (2 13/16 in.); widest diameter, with handles: 11.3 cm; diameter of mouth: 5.7 cm
Credit Line
John H. and Ernestine A. Payne Fund
Accession Number1972.867
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionDepressed spherical shape with flattened bottom; flaring offset lip around small mouth; double semi-cylindrical lugs, pierced vertically, set in middle of body at point of widest diameter. Intact, though slightly chipped around the edges of lip and lugs. Pale gold patina on the gray-veined marble.
ProvenanceSaid to have been found near Marathon with MFA 1972.866, 868, 869; by the 1940s, with Nikolas Koutoulakis; by 1971: sold by Mr. Koutoulakis in Geneva to Robin Symes, 3 Ormond Yard, York Street, St. James's, London S.W. 1 (R. Symes, Ancient Art, June 1971, under no. 11, illus.); purchased by MFA from Robin Symes, September 13, 1972