Pyxis with lid, miniature 575 BC

This small, 6th-century BC, Attic black-figure pyxis (a container for cosmetics or other small items) from the Swan Group depicts stylized birds on its body. It is crafted from terracotta with painted decoration. The lid has a simple geometric pattern, while the body features stylized birds and bands of geometric motifs. The use of black-figure painting is characteristic of Attic pottery, and the small size of the object suggests its use for personal items. This piece is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.