Ca. 340-325 BC.
A pottery lekanis comprises two distinct components, each with its functional design. The lower portion features a footed bowl adorned with a sleek black glaze, providing an elegant foundation for the vessel. Two opposing horizontal handles, meticulously crafted and seamlessly integrated, facilitate ease of handling and transportation. The accompanying fitted lid, a crucial element of the lekanis, bears intricate decoration and a captivating finial. It is adorned with captivating red figures portraying "Ladies of fashion." Rendered in profile, these figures exude a sense of grace and sophistication, enhanced by their gracefully arranged hair and delicate facial features. Intriguingly, each lady is depicted with saccoi, a type of headdress characterized by its draped fabric. This detail adds a touch of opulence to the composition, emphasizing the high social status of these elegantly depicted women. The primary function of the lekanis in ancient Greece was to serve as a storage vessel for various substances, such as perfumes, cosmetics, or precious oils. The well-fitted lid ensured the preservation of the contained substances, safeguarding their quality and longevity.
Size: L:95mm / W:120mm ; 155g
Provenance: Property of a central London Gallery; formerly in a South English estate collection; acquired in the 1990s from Andre de Munter, Brussels, Belgium; previously in and old European collection.