On the external surface of the pyxis (small box used for keeping small objects) the Thracian musician and poet Musaeus is depicted (he is also identified with Apollo) sitting on klismos (a wooden chair, with curved backrest and tapering, outcurved legs) and playing his lyre. He is surrounded by eight Muses. Some of them play a musical instrument (e.g., lyre, double flute) while others hold a papyrus.