9th-7th century BC. A bronze pyxis with globular body, two handles formed as pierced triangular lugs, waisted cylindrical foot with domed base; lentoid-shaped lid with two 'winged' terminals, pierced at the base, central tapering stem with double-headed creature. Cf. Benaki Museum, Athens, accession number: ?? 7888, for type. 57 grams total, 67mm (2 1/2"). Ex collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman; acquired on the UK art market; previously on the European art market before 2000. The pyxis most likely originates from Northern Greece, fitting a type and style typical of the Geometric Period (9th-7th century BC), with linear motifs to the bodies. The vessels would have been hung, as indicated by their perforations, and could have been used to hold perfume or oils. The 'sickle' type pyxis is so-called because of the shape of its wings, which are said to resemble sickles, but elsewhere these wings have been identified as stylised bird protomes.