Ca. 100 AD. A pyxis that exudes an aura of refinement and luxury. Designed to safeguard precious essences and ointments, this cylindrical container boasts an exquisite form, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Its silhouette is striking, with a bone edge and lid that commands attention, while the central suspension loop draws the eye with its elaborate beaded pattern. The tightly braided chain connects the central loop to two lateral small loops on the main body adorned with repousse swastika and geometric patterns. Each symbol, carefully rendered, tells a story of ancient wisdom and mysticism. The swastika, an ancient symbol of good fortune, and the geometric patterns, with their mesmerizing repetition, evoke a sense of order and harmony. In the Roman world, pyxides were not only functional containers but also objects of beauty and status. As such, they were often made from precious materials, such as gold, and silver, and adorned with intricate designs. Their use was not limited to the storage of expensive substances, but they were also given as gifts, sometimes containing a precious object as a surprise. They were also used as votive offerings, and donated to temples as a symbol of piety and devotion.Size: L:26.3mm / W:23.3mm ; 16gProvenance: Property of a Central London gallery; acquired from an old British (London) collection.