Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos
Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos
Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos
Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos
Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos

Ancient Greek Miniature Lekythos

£ 375.00

A Greek miniature terracotta squat lekythos featuring a fluted body which tapers in to a cylindrical neck with a flared mouth and flat rim. A singular handle has been applied from the neck to the shoulder. The body has been adorned with vertical ridges and an incised cross underneath the handle. The vessel is finished with a black glaze.

Date: Circa 700-400 BC
Provenance: Ex K. Furness collection, acquired by descent from her mother. Circa 1950s onwards.
Condition: Good condition, some of the glaze has now faded. Very minor chip to the rim.

SOLD

SKU: HY-32 Category:

Lekythoi were used in Ancient Greece to preserve and pour perfumed oil and ointments: its particular shape limited the release of the content and was suitable to prevent waste. Lekythoi were mainly used at baths and gymnasiums and for funerary offerings, as they were sometimes used for anointing dead bodies. Whilst they could hold a range of perfumed oils and ointments, they were usually used to hold olive oil. They are characterised by their narrow bodies with thin necks, a single handle, and a flat rim without a pouring lip.

To find out more about different types of Greek vessel please see our relevant blog post: Collecting Greek Vases.

Weight 47.3 g
Dimensions W 4.7 x H 6.3 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 1814,0704.606