The "Apostles" Pyx (Box)

c. 980–1010

probably by Triptych Group

Culture

Byzantium, Constantinople, middle Byzantine period, 10th-11th century

Medium

ivory

Measurements

Overall: 25.5 x 17.5 cm (10 1/16 x 6 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1973.4

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Location

105 Byzantine

Description

This pyx shows Christ as Pantokrator (Ruler of the World), the Apostles, and the Virgin as a continuous frieze of figures seated in high-backed chairs with cushions. The tapered lip of the body of the pyx was intended to dovetail into the missing lid. Because of its style, the box is thought to be from a workshop of ivory carvers called "The Triptych Group" active in Constantinople between about 950 and 1010. This is the only known pyx to survive from the Middle Byzantine period (about ad 843-1204).