Greek Lidded Lebes Gamikos w/ Pair of Dogs

An excellent object for the dog lover in you! Super cool ancient Greek blackware decorated with a pair of sight hounds, likely pharaoh hounds, and beautiful ivy trailing.

The lebes gamikos or "nuptial lebes" was used in marriage ceremonies and is literally translated as "marriage vase." Lebetes gamikoi (plural) are identified by their round bottoms, double handles, and matching lids. The lids and bodies often become separated over the centuries, making it rare to find an original body and lid together as here.

This example is especially interesting because most lebetes gamikoi feature wedding scenes, not dog scenes. This ultra-rare example may in fact depict a dog love story.

Size: 5" H

Condition: Body is intact and in excellent condition with the classic blackware iridescence that an only be achieved with age. Lid has been repaired but it is well done and does not affect the overall appeal.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection acquired 2017; ex-Artemis Gallery, Colorado USA; ex-Ancient Resource, Montrose, California, USA; ex-Leo Mildenberg collection, Zurich, Switzerland, acquired prior to 2002