Apulian Lebes Gamikos
A superb Red-figure Lebes Gamikos and Cover, featuring the characteristic high vertical handles of elegant form with pedestal foot, both sides painted with the profiled head of a lady of fashion, palmettes and scrolls in the handle zones. Complete and in very good condition, overall a break to the body of the vessel professionally rejoined.

Height: 16.7cm (6.6in) Diameter: 9.5cm (3.7in)

The Lebes Gamikos or "Marriage Bowl", characterized by the two high upright handles, was used in the wedding ceremony for ritual bridal waters (sprinkling and purification), and is one of the major indicators of such a ceremony whenever it appears.

This piece comes from a collection in Texas formed in the 1960's.

Asking USD 3,000.00


For related examples see: A. D. Trendall, The Red-figured Vases of Lucania, Campania and Sicily, Second Supplement, London, 1973, p. 166, no. 464a and Antiquities from the Collection of Christos G. Bastis, catalogue of the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1987, no. 171, illus.