Terracotta Lekythos
Transitional Greek

original
gift of: Prof. Thurston Lacalli

date: c. 500-400 B.C.
provenance: purchased by donor in 1968-69.

description: Small lekythos with black/brown slip. Height 9.5 cm, diameter 7 cm.

Similar in shape to the Cypriot lekythos, this vessel is painted with a lustrous black finish. Many vases were varnished black throughout the exterior, except for the feet and lips, as appears to be the case here. This type of varnish was fused to the vessel by baking. The variations in appearance depended location, type of clay, and the unavoidable accidents of production.

(See also: Maiden/Muse Lekythos.)