SOUTHERN ITALY, SICILY | Ancient Greek Lekythos – Magna Graecia / Southern Italy – Black-Figure Style – probably 4th century BC Fantastic ancient lekythos, or oil flask, made of terracotta, attributed to the Greek cultural sphere of Southern Italy, Magna Graecia. The elegant form, with slender neck, flared mouth, side handle, rounded body and disc-shaped foot, corresponds to the type of ancient oil and perfume vessels used in Greek daily life and, in particular, in funerary contexts. The reddish clay body is decorated with black painted ornamentation. Especially attractive is the figural decoration in the black-figure style: one side shows a finely rendered profile head with ornamental headdress or helmet-like detail, enhanced by incised lines. The remaining surface is decorated with flowing vegetal motifs, palmette-like ornaments, tendrils and dotted decoration. The mouth and foot are painted black, creating a strong and elegant contrast with the reddish clay. The piece has a highly decorative archaeological character and a strong ancient appearance. The surface shows age-related wear, abrasions, small losses, chips, craquelure and traces of earth or lime deposits. The body shows visible break lines and restoration; there is also a larger loss to one side of the body. These condition issues are clearly visible in the photographs and are consistent with the archaeological character of the object. A very attractive collector’s piece for lovers of ancient pottery, Greek vase painting and the art of Magna Graecia. Dating: 4th century BC Cultural area: Magna Graecia / Southern Italy, Greek-influenced cultural sphere Material: terracotta / pottery with black painted decoration Form: lekythos / oil flask / perfume vessel Decoration: black-figure style, profile head, vegetal and ornamental motifs Condition: restored from fragments, visible break lines, larger loss to the body, surface wear, chips, abrasions and age-related traces; please see the photographs Dimensions: height approx. [insert] cm, diameter approx. [insert] cm Provenance: old German private collection / in family possession since 1940 The seller guarantees that the object was acquired legally and is described to the best of his knowledge. Carefully packed and insured shipping. No export permit is required for shipping within the European Union. The seller guarantees that the object — an old find — was acquired legally and that all relevant permits and documentation are in place. The seller will inform the buyer should the transfer of these permits and/or shipment require more than a few days.