Lebes Gamikos

Lebes Gamikos by Asteas, c. 340 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Spain

The lebes gamikos, or "nuptial lebes," (plural - lebetes gamikoi) is a form of ancient Greek Pottery used in marriage ceremonies (literally, it means marriage vase). It was probably used in the ritual sprinkling of the bride with water before the wedding. In form, it has a large bowl-like body and a stand that can be long or short. Painted scenes are placed on either the body of the vessel or the stand.

One of the earliest lebes gamikos was painted by, apparently, a follower of Sophilos (c. 580 - 570).[1] The lebes gamikos had the typical wedding procession, accompanied by the unique addition of chariots bearing Helen and Menelaos and the bride's brothers.[2]

A typical lebes gamikos shows wedding scenes (including mythic weddings such as the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, but the iconography be also be related to scenes such as mimes.

Notes

  1. ↑ J.D. Beazley believed it likely that this wasn't done by one of Sophilos's followers, but Sophilos himself.
  2. ↑ Boardman, John (1974). Athenian Black Figure Vases. World of Art. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 9780500181447.

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