APULIAN BLACK-GLAZE SQUAT LEKYTHOS

Ca. 450-400 BC
A black-glaze squat lekythos exhibits a flattened sphere body adorned with vertical ribbing that extends across the entire perimeter, creating a visually engaging pattern. The lekythos is supported by a concave foot, with the glaze covering only a portion of its surface. It boasts a tall, tapering neck that culminates in an inverted bell-shaped mouth, adding elegance and grace to its overall form. The squat lekythos is a specific type of lekythos, which was a vessel used in ancient Greek culture for various purposes. It predominantly served as a container for oils, perfumes, or other valuable liquids. The lekythos held particular significance in funerary rituals, as it was commonly used as a grave offering, placed at the tombs of the deceased. The oils contained within the lekythos were used for anointing and as offerings to the deceased or the gods.
Size: L:140mm / W:95mm ; 175g
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery, formerly English private collection, according to the heirs possibly purchased in some auction or Art Gallery during 1970s-1980s.
Estimate: GBP 800 - 1000