Pixis; Canosa, 1st–3rd century BC

Pixis; Canosa, 1st–3rd century BC
Ceramic.
In good condition.
Measurements: 8 x 10 cm.
Cylindrical bowl identified as a pixis, decorated with a motif of stylized waves framed by a central frieze that runs along the piece, lending rhythm and balance to the ornamental composition. The design reflects a decorative style characteristic of late Hellenistic pottery, where geometric and plant motifs are combined in a schematic and repetitive manner.
Beginning in 320 B.C., Athens experienced a significant decline in the export of fine pottery, leading to a reorganization of Mediterranean trade. In this context, ceramic production gradually shifted to workshops on the Italian Peninsula, which took on a leading role in the art market.
Among these centers, production in southern Italy and the Canosa area stands out, characterized by rich polychrome ornamentation and a taste for elaborate decorative effects. These Italic ceramics largely replaced Attic production in Mediterranean trade, keeping the Hellenic tradition alive, albeit with new regional interpretations and a more exuberant visual language.