Pyxis: The Original Trinket Box

This small storage box was perfect to hold women’s items. Its outside is decorated with black-glaze patterns of horizontal bands, and decorative friezes encircle the exterior walls. We can deduce that this pyxis has been misfired due to the orange discoloration on the lid.

A pyxis would generally be used to hold small personal items, such as jewellery, trinkets, and cosmetics, like powder and ointment. The pyxis in our collection contains white residue, possibly traces of a cream or beauty product.