Greek Hanging Lidded Pyxis

9th-7th century BC. A bronze pyxis with splayed openwork foot, narrow stem, bulbous body narrowing to the rim, linear incisions and ring-and-dot motifs to the body, each zoomorphic side handle pierced, an oval lid pierced twice to match the lobes for suspension; lid with extended winged handles and central knop handle. Cf. Benaki Museum, Athens, Accession number: ?? 7888 for type. 75 grams total, 74-81mm (3"). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired in the early 1970s. These lidded bronze pyxides most likely originate from the area of Northern Greece, fitting a type and style typical of the Geometrical Period (9th-7th century BC), with linear motifs to the bodies. The vessels would have been hung, as indicated by their perforations, and could have been used to hold perfume or oils. The 'sickle' type pyxis is so-called because of the shape of its wings, which are said to resemble sickles, but elsewhere these wings have been identified as stylised bird protomes. [2]
Condition Report: Fine condition.