The artwork, “Attic Late Geometric Pyxis with Four Horses on the Lid,” dates back to approximately 735 BC and is a quintessential example of ancient Greek pottery. Created during the Geometric art movement and rendered in terracotta, this piece belongs to the genre of ornament and utensil and is part of the “Relief and Plastic” series. Currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece, the artwork stands as a significant artifact from the early Geometric period.
The pyxis itself is a cylindrical container with a domed lid, which features four delicately sculpted horse figures arranged in a linear fashion on its top. The body of the container is adorned with intricate meander patterns and geometric motifs characteristic of the period, including angular lines, dots, and zigzags, all meticulously painted to enhance the visual appeal. The use of terracotta provides a rich, natural hue that complements the elaborate designs. The horses, characterized by their elongated necks and stylized forms, exemplify the geometric abstraction valued in this era, invoking both decorative elegance and functional utility.