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Pyxis is the term applied to cylindrical
containers
used to store valuables since antiquity.
During
the Byzantine era their most common
function
was as a receptacle for the consecrated
host.
Typically made of lavish materials, such
as ivory,
this example is nevertheless
extraordinary for
the expense of the stone. Lapis lazuli
had to be
imported from Afghanistan, and although
a
handful of small cameos and plaques
survive in
this material, its use was restricted to
the most
high status items. Three iconic images
have been
carved in relief around the sides of the
vessel.
The first is a half-length Virgin and
Child, the
former pointing at her son with her
right hand, a
type known as Hodegetria. This is a
Greek
phrase
meaning, ‘one who shows the way.’ The
Virgin
points to Christ, revealing to mankind
its means
of salvation. The Christ Child is
depicted fully
draped as was customary in this period
and
considerable care has been lavished on
the folds
of his gown. It is possible that the
eyes of the
figures were once inlaid with another
precious
material. The second image is that of
Christ, with
an open book balanced between his
forearms.
This was a variant of the ‘Pantokrator’
image
which is often displayed on the interior
of the
domes of Byzantine churches. In this
image
Christ gestures with both his hands and
the
emphasis is on his role as a teacher.
The details
of his hair and beard have been
carefully defined
and the aureole has sections of cross-
hatching
to distinguish the sign of the cross.
The final
image shows a full-length Christ set
against a
flaming aureole with his right arm
raised.
Texture has been added to the rays of
the
aureole by extensive cross-hatching. A
swathe of
drapery runs diagonally across Christ’s
torso and
over his left shoulder. Separating each
image is
the symbol of the cross within a circle.
The pyxis is supported on three feet
which
resemble animal hooves of some kind. The
tapered lip indicates that the lid is
missing,
indeed all such containers undoubtedly
had lids
originally because of the precious
materials they
were designed to contain. This is a
remarkable
and extremely rare object that would
form the
centrepiece of any collection of
medieval
Christian art.
- (AM.0177)
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