Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 325 BCE. A tall lekanis with a large, flat knob on its lid and a foot of similar shape, creating a wonderfully symmetrical vessel. The base has been glazed a glossy black, while the lid has two ladies of fashion in red-figure on either side, separated by stylized palmettes. The lid also has a radiating design in its sunken center. Lovely silvery and rainbow iridescence is visible on most surfaces. Size: 3.875" H (9.8 cm).

Lidded lekanides were cosmetic containers, often 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.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired between 1965 and 1980

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#128071

Surface wear commensurate with age and use, minor losses to rims of both halves, with some losses, fading, and craquelure to black surfaces. Earthen and mineral deposits as well as silvery and rainbow iridescence throughout.