Glazed Pyxis

The glazed pyxis from Ziwiye, Iran (c. 8th–7th century BCE) is a small lidded container from the Iron Age, likely used to hold valuable items such as cosmetics or jewelry. Made of ceramic or faience and covered with a colored glaze, it shows early glazing techniques influenced by Mesopotamian and regional styles. Objects like this are often linked to the Ziwiye site in northwestern Iran, an area shaped by interactions between Median, Assyrian, and local cultures. Although some examples lack precise archaeological records, the pyxis reflects Ziwiye’s role as a cultural crossroads and combines practical use with decorative craftsmanship.