Ca. 400-300 BC. Apulian. A beautiful terracotta lekanis with a broad low foot, dome-shaped lid and ribbon-shaped handles. The lid is divided into four panels: one portrays a red-figure female head in left profile, her hair tied back in a sakkos, wearing a necklace and long earrings; the other three panels are decorated with palmettes. The bowl is painted black and displays a strong metallic glaze. Lekanides frequently appear as wedding gifts in scenes of bridal processions on red-figure vases as they were used to bring food and other gifts to ancient Greek brides. Vase painters in Apulia developed two major styles: the Plain style characterized by few figures, and the Ornate style, which featured multi-figure colourful scenes, lavish ornaments, and intricate floral compositions. The female head that adorns this lekanis is an exquisite example of the Apulian Plain style. For more information about Apulian red-figure vases, see Trendall, A. D., Cambitoglou, A. (1983). The red-figured vases of Apulia. London: University of London, Institute of Classical Studies. Size: L:100mm / W:145mm ; 199g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Kent gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.