Pyxis and Lid with Two Standing Horses

This flat, low pyxis is decorated with popular Geometric decorations, such as Greek key patterns, or meanders, which are twice interrupted with waterbirds and vertical stripes. The design on the bottom of the body is a flower with eight petals. Between the petals are eight smaller flowers, and concentric circles surround the flower. A sculptural pair of horses stand over the handle on the lid. The horses, which may not have originally belonged to this pyxis, have short necks and large heads. The heads of the horses are preserved with bridles painted on them. A rosette is incised on the outer shoulder of one horse, while the other has a rosette drawn in a circle.

This object belongs to a category of ancient Greek ceramics known as horse pyxides. These were mostly manufactured in Attica (often at the city of Athens), although there are some examples from Boeotia. Many pyxides have been found in burials from the 9th to the end of the 8th century BCE. In these contexts, the horses would have been symbols of prestige.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

N. Koutoulakis, Galerie Segredakis, Paris; Walters Art Museum, 1950, by purchase.