This gilded silver pyxis of spherical form was a container for relics or incense used in Early Byzantine church rites. The four figures produced in repousse technique show a bearded Christ offering a blessing, the Virgin holding an emblem symbolic of her roles as Mother of God (Theotokos), and...
Provenance
By date unknown: in a private collection in London (thought to have been owned for a number of years); in 1990: purchased from the private collection in London by an American private collector; by November 2004: with Ward & Company, 962 Park Ave. at 82nd St., New York, NY 10028; December 21, 2004: purchased by George and Margo Behrakis from Ward and Company; gift of George and Margo Behrakis to MFA, April 27, 2005
Credit Line
Gift of George D. and Margo Behrakis in honor of John J. Herrmann, Jr., Curator of Classical Art, 1976-2004
Byzantine, Early Byzantine Period, 6th–7th century A.D.
Place of Manufacture
Syria (incl. Syria, eastern Turkey and Lebanon)
Catalogue Raisonné
Highlights: Classical Art (MFA), p. 052-053.
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 7 x 9 cm (2 3/4 x 3 9/16 in.)
Accession Number
2005.200
Medium or Technique
Silver with gilding