Ancient Greece, Athens, ca. early 5th century BCE. A beautiful wheel-thrown pottery lekythos - a vessel used to hold perfumes or other scented oils - finely painted via the black-figure technique. The side panel of the ancient vessel depicts a fascinating zoomorphic figure. In addition to this iconographic program is a lovely frieze of a starburst motif on the vessel's shoulder and lustrous black glaze envelops the lower section of the body to the upper surface of the foot as well as the spout and single, gently arching strap handle. Size: 1.75" in diameter x 5.75" H (4.4 cm x 14.6 cm)
Lekythoi were used for storing oil used for a wide variety of purposes in the Classical World. While larger examples were usually designated for keeping olive oil, smaller more delicate examples like this one were reserved for the bath to store precious unguents of sweet and floral aromas. This beautiful vessel was most likely created for an elegant lady's toilette.
Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s
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#165356
Condition
Restoration to rim. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout with repainting in some areas. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits on interior.