ITEM: Lekanis with lid depicting ladies and palmettes MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Greek, South Italic Colonies – Apulia PERIOD: 4th Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 91 mm x 146 mm CONDITION: Good condition, repaired PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990s A lekanis consists of two parts: a shallow lid with a large, flat knob which could be turned over and used as a plate, coupled with a small shallow bowl to which were attached two horizontal, ribbon-like handles, a low footed base, and a rim with a ledge to receive the lid. A similar shape, also a shallow bowl but without a lid, is called a lekane, although the application of the related names is not entirely clear and modern usage varies. A lidded lekanis was generally used as a cosmetic container or as a gift for brides, given by their fathers on their wedding day and filled with trinkets. The lekanis is similar in function to the small round box called a pyxis, which was also used for cosmetics and small items of adornment. The lekanis had a wide variety of uses and its shape could vary. Because of their utilitarian and symbolic functions, lekanides are often found in burials. Lekanides were widely used throughout the Archaic period, only losing popularity in the 4th century B.C. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks