Terracotta lekanis (dish) with lid and finial

Unknown

2nd half of 3rd century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

This elaborate vase belongs to a small class of vessels from Centuripe, a small town in eastern Sicily, where they were apparently made. Characteristically, sumptuous, gilt, high-relief decoration, imitating fine metalwork, is combined with bright tempera paintings. The front and sides of the lid depict a complex scene with several female figures around an altar. One figure holds a tambourine. In the handle-zone, a Medusa head is flanked by Erotes amidst a floral scroll. The finial and base are decorated with shafts of wheat and leaves.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd half of 3rd century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Sicilian, Centuripe

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1930