Lekythos (Oil Jar) c. 445

This Attic white-ground lekythos, a type of ancient Greek oil jar, dates back to c. 445 BCE. It features a scene of a woman in a long cloak, standing in profile and holding a staff, perhaps a symbol of mourning. The lekythos was likely used to hold oil for anointing the body, a common practice in ancient Greece, particularly for the dead. The white-ground technique was popular during the Classical period, highlighting the figures with red and black paint against a white background. The lekythos' delicate size and intricate decoration underscore the craftsmanship and beauty of ancient Greek pottery.