Small Attic Black-Bodied Terracotta Lekythos
£ 325.00
An exceptionally fine ancient Greek Attic terracotta lekythos. The body is cylindrical and coated in glossy, black pigment speckled with red hues across one side. The carinated shoulder features a linear design in subtly curving strokes of dark pigment, now worn, and a dotted band encircling the base of the neck. The cylindrical neck develops to a circular mouth with a wide, flat rim. A handle extends downwards from the neck to meet at the shoulder, adorned on the exterior with black pigment, now partially worn. The vessel rests upon a thick, circular base with a small concave impression on the underside.
Date: Circa 6th-5th Century BC
Provenance: Ex Bonhams. Previously Kuizenga collection, the Netherlands. Acquired in Dortmund, 19 June 1987.
Condition: Very fine, fully intact. Some wear and discolouration to the pigment, alongside minor scratches, chipping and earthy encrustations to the surface.
SOLD
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 vessels, please visit our relevant blog post: Collecting Ancient Greek Vases
