Apulian Lebes with lid. SOUTH ITALY, ca. 400 BC.

Apulian Lebes with lid. SOUTH ITALY, ca. 400 BC. Lebetes are vessels that could be used for cooking, washing and mixing wine. Clay lebetes are among the few ancient Greek ceramic moulds that were made entirely in one piece. Lebetes were also presented to successful athletes as victory trophies. This is probably the so-called Lebes Gamikos ('wedding cauldron'), which is characterised by its high handles.
Red figure, glossy black varnish, white highlights in places. One side depicts a kneeling Eros with hermaphrodite body forms and large, wide-open wings with feathers heightened in white. He holds a large bowl in his right hand, while the other side depicts a seated female figure. H with lid: 18 cm. Condition: 1 handle has been replaced, chipped paint and minor chips. The crown of the lid is heavily damaged (broken off at the top)..