Attic Black-Figured Lekythos with Quadrigas

£ 1,100.00

A Greek Attic lekythos, decorated in the black-figure technique. The vessel sits upon a slightly concave base and features a single handle attached from the neck to the shoulder. The lekythos depicts two quadrigas facing right, racing. Some of the white detailing is preserved on one of the male figures. A band of dots are visible above the image with rays and dots enriching the shoulder.

Date: Circa early 5th century BC
Period: Ex South German collection of Dr. R.B. acquired before 2000 from Bernd Gackstätter Antiken Kabinett Frankfurt, before collection Pauker Germany.
Condition: Fine condition, repairs to the body of the vessel.

SOLD

SKU: LD-794 Category: Tags: , ,

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. A quadriga is a chariot led by four horses placed in row rather than two in front of the other two. This was a favoured chariot for the Olympics and racing across ancient Greece and Roman Empire. Within Greek mythology, Victory was often depicted triumphally riding the quadriga as well as Apollo riding one over the skies to deliver morning to the people.

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

Weight 103.4 g
Dimensions W 4.2 x H 14.9 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 2000,0215.6

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