Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulian, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. A beautiful wheel-thrown pottery lidded lekanis of wondrous beauty and exceptional form. The bottom half of the vessel is comprised of a wide, lipped basin decorated with interior concentric circles, with an enclosed linear motif around the exterior shoulder, and all sitting upon a petite footed base. The ornate lid is decorated with black linear designs around the exterior rim, with a lipped sunburst tondo at the center, and a pair of "lady of fashion" faces in classic red-figure presentation. Unique to this vessel are the feathered wings with each female portrait; representative of "Eros," they could perhaps be a subtle depiction of either Persephone or Demeter. A Herakles-knot handle arches above both women and the central tondo, and the entire vessel is detailed with black, white, gold, and ruby-hued painted decorations atop a red ground with silvery areas of iridescence. A gorgeous vessel with lovely embellishments and unusual characterization! Size: 4.5" W x 4" H (11.4 cm x 10.2 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.

For an example of the winged lady of fashion depiction, please refer to the following example. The example in the link provided is not of the same pottery type and is also in mint condition, but imagery is quite similar: http://www.apoloniagallery.com/items/1268018/Mint-Greek-Apulian-Lidded-Mug-Ex-Kantharos-Group

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge Antiquities Auction (May 8, 2013, lot 61); ex-private Austrian family collection, formed in the 19th century, thence acquired by descent to the research chemist, Dr. Erwin Hoess (1909-1985)

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#132915

Handle reattached to top portion with small chips and adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear commensurate with age, small hole on top of tondo, fading to painted details and coloration, small chips to handle, rim of base, foot, and rim of top, with minor areas of roughness, otherwise excellent. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, and lovely silver iridescence on most black surfaces.