On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Marble pyxis (box)
Technical analysis: Ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence examination, optical microscopy
This vessel, carved from white marble with grey veins, is intact except for small losses on the rim, several of which have been filled and inpainted. There are also losses to the lug handles. Brown accretions on the surface are concentrated on the lower half of the vessel and especially on the interior.
This diminutive container is finely carved. The shape is roughly spherical, with a somewhat flat underside and a flared rim. Double lug handles on either side of the vessel are perforated for the attachment of a lid that is now missing. Such a small container may have been used to hold cosmetics, jewelry, and pigments. Many utilitarian vessels like this one, used in everyday life, also accompanied the deceased in graves.
Alexis Belis and Wendy Walker
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