Terracotta Lekanis (dish) with Lid and Finial 250 BC

This terracotta lekanis with lid and finial was made by an Ancient Greek potter, although the exact date of its creation is unknown. The lekanis, a wide-bodied bowl with two horizontal handles, was a common household item in ancient Greece, used primarily by women for storing and serving food. What's most striking about this piece is the painted scene on the lid. It depicts a domestic interior, perhaps a wedding, showcasing women engaged in household activities, reflecting the social sphere of women in ancient Greek society. The imagery is not merely decorative but offers a glimpse into the rituals and social structures of the time. Such artifacts found in archaeological digs and preserved in institutions like the Met, provide historians insight into gender roles, domestic life, and artistic conventions of ancient Greece. By studying these objects, we gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped artistic production and the public role of art in ancient societies.