Magna Graecia, South Italic Colonies, Apulia, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. A fabulous lekanis lid displaying a discoid form that gently raises at the center to a knob-like handle with a lengthy, narrow stem. The ancient lid exhibits a pair of red-figure 'lady of fashion' heads, each with an elegant visage, kekryphalos hairstyle, and fugitive white pigment accentuating their finery and coiffures. The heads are separated by a large pair of stylized palmettes, and the lower rim boasts a register of cresting waves. Areas of jet-black glaze form the outline of the red-figure details. Size: 4.125" in diameter x 2.5" H (10.5 cm x 6.4 cm)

Lidded lekanides were cosmetic containers, frequently given by fathers to brides on their wedding day. The lady of fashion motif complements this - often thought to represent a young woman on her wedding day. Each lady wears a kekryphalos hairstyle, earrings, and a beaded necklace. This vessel has a very interesting iridescent patina that gives it a sparkling appearance.

A nearly identical example can be found in the University of Oxford's Beazley Archive Pottery Database as vase number 9023719.

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

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#165359

Repair and restoration to periphery and handle. Some repainting in areas and chips to periphery. Otherwise, very nice.