APULIAN LEKANIS
SOUTHERN ITALY, C. 4TH CENTURY B.C.
African & Oceanic Art, Natural History and Ancient Art
Auction: 30 July 2025 from 14:00 BST
Description
terracotta, the lid with two female heads and white paint detailing, separated by palmettes, with a progressive ‘running dog’ spiral pattern along the rim; over a black glazed base with two handles
Dimensions
15cm wide
Provenance
N. Forbes collection, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom, acquired 1990s or prior
Footnote
Apulian vase painting flourished in the 4th century BC after Attic imports were impacted by the Peloponnesian War. Apulian pottery is characterised by a greater variation in colour and texture compared to contemporary Attic pottery and favoured scenes from daily life and Greek theatre. Lekanides were often decorated with scenes involving women, reflecting their use as holders for cosmetics, jewellery, and other small items. Similar-shaped vessels frequently appear as wedding gifts in scenes of bridal processions on larger red-figure vases.