Plemochoe or Exaleiptron attic with black figures

Provenance : Former Parisian collection acquired at the Reine Margot, Paris

Plemochoe or exaleiptron with a lenticular body on a high cylindrical foot resting on a circular base. A plastic ring marks the junction between the bowl and the foot. On the flat of the mouthpiece runs a frieze of tongues. The edge of the circular base is left in reserve. The vase no longer has its lid. This form, very elegant in its simplicity, is sometimes represented on lekythoi with a white background illustrating characters visiting a tomb. This vessel was probably intended to contain precious liquids such as perfumed oils.
Indeed, the design of the inner hem prevented the contents from coming out of the vase even while walking. The lid was provided with a pear-shaped knob for gripping.