CIRCA 410-400 B.C.

Encircling the cylindrical body of this pyxis is a scene of epaulia, the day after the wedding rite, when gifts were presented to the bride (see p. 318 in N. Kaltsas and A. Shapiro, Worshiping Woman, Ritual and Reality in Classical Athens). It takes place in the gynaikonitis, the women’s quarters of the house. At the center of one side sits the bride, holding a beaded necklace, with an attendant standing behind her, resting her hands on her shoulders. Before her stands another attendant, extending her right hand, and holding a beaded necklace in her lowered left hand. To their right, a winged nude Eros offers a beaded necklace to a standing draped woman. To their left, a woman leans forward, holding a beaded necklace, while another woman stands before her, holding a kista (casket) and a sash in her right hand. Scrolling tendrils sprout from the groundline; there is a band of ovolo on the flange below the scene, and palmettes and lotus blossoms decorate the lid, framed by a band of rays.