Pyxis (vessel)
As Pyxis (Greek: πυξίς; plural: pyxides ) refers to a round vessel, usually a can with a lid. The Hellenistic period since occupied name comes from the Greek word for Pyxos boxwood, were often turned from the pyxides. Probably the Attic word kylichnís an older term for it.
Today not many pyxides made of wood are preserved. Other materials are ceramics, alabaster, metal, or ivory. Use they found in the home of Greek women for storing jewelry and cosmetics. Therefore, they are often painted in the red-figure style with women's apartment scenes. Pyxides were often used as grave goods for women.
History
First versions of pyxides already existed in the Geometric period. These were large and flat, and were probably used in other forms. In the 7th century BC, the form was further developed by Corinthian pottery to reflect the new forms of decoration ( black-figure vase painting ). In the 6th century BC there were some further developments and special shapes such as tripod and Nikosthenische pyxides. In classical times, a type A dominant variant called concave, steep wall. In addition, the type B was popular, to which there was a push-on lid. In the Hellenistic period, the vessels were higher.
From the Constantinian era served pyxides mainly made of ivory as sacred Zeremonialgefäße for storage of incense, relics and hosts. Outwardly they were mostly decorated with reliefs of biblical scenes.