Greek, Attic, ca. late 5th century B.C.

Terracotta

H: 4.4 cm, D: 6.7 cm

Serial: 29114

The pyxis, a lidded box to contain small items, has a precise shape of completely symmetrical design: the torus foot-ring in two degrees and the convex lid corresponding the foot in a similar molding, they frame a slightly concave side. The top was painted in the red-figure technique: within a reserved contoured border there is a figure of a griffin, in an attacking pose facing left. The mythological creature has enormous eagle wings pulled back over the powerful lion torso were painted white while the individual feathers and other details of anatomy are indicated by lines. A group of white dots marks the curving ground line. Two Greek letters, a delta and a psi, were incised underneath the base and the lid.

Griffins were famous for guarding a treasure of gold in the mountains of Scythia and were also famed to be in conflict with the one eyed Arimaspoi who sought to steal from them.

CONDITION

The lower edge of the lid damaged, a few recollected fragments, traces of adhesive; the body reassembled from two halves, with a few recollected small parts at the top, two chips on foot.

PROVENANCE

Sotheby's New York, 25 June 1992, lot 59; Ex- US private collection, New York.

PUBLISHED and EXHIBITED

FABULOUS MONSTERS, Phoenix Ancient Art 2021/40, New York, 2021, no. 10