Shape
Pyxis
πυξίς
30 vases
A lidded cylindrical box used for cosmetics, jewellery, or trinkets. Often decorated with women's domestic scenes, reflecting its association with the female sphere.
Function & Use
Container for cosmetics and jewellery
30 examples
Terracotta pyxis (container) with lid
ca. 2500–1900 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box) with lid
ca. 2000–1800 BCE
Terracotta alabastron (jar)
ca. 1600–1050 BCE
Terracotta alabastron (jar)
ca. 1600–1050 BCE
Terracotta tripod pyxis (box)
ca. 620–590 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
late 7th–6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (cosmetic box)
ca. 550 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (cosmetic box)
6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
Terracotta pyxis (box)
mid-6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
Terracotta tripod pyxis (box)
2nd half of the 6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box with lid)
ca. 550–525 BCE
Terracotta pyxis with lid (box)
late 6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
late 6th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
Terracotta pyxis (cosmetic box)
1st half of 5th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
Terracotta pyxis (box) with lid
Terracotta pyxis (box)
late 5th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
late 5th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
ca. 425–400 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
ca. 425–400 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
Terracotta pyxis (box)
ca. 400 BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
4th century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
4th–3rd century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box)
late 4th–early 3rd century BCE
Terracotta pyxis (box) with lid
ca. 1–300 CE
Terracotta pyxis (box) with lid
1st–mid-2nd century CE
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)