Lot #29: Stunning Hand-Painted Greek Red-Figure Lekythos Vase Replica – Theseus & the Minotaur

Stunning Hand-Painted Greek Red-Figure Lekythos Vase Replica – Theseus & the Minotaur Up for auction is a beautiful, medium-sized ancient Greek-style Lekythos ceramic jug. This piece is a high-quality modern museum replica, completely hand-crafted on a pottery wheel and meticulously hand-painted in the traditional Athenian red-figure style. It features an iconic scene from Greek mythology, making it a spectacular display piece for any history lover, classicist, or art collector. Detailed Description & Mythology The Shape: This vessel is modeled after a classical lekythos, an ancient Greek container historically used to store precious perfumed oils. It features a distinct wide, flat, disc-shaped lip designed for precision pouring, a narrow neck with flaring ridges, a single loop handle, and a globular body. The Main Scene: The front of the vase dynamically depicts the legendary hero Theseus slaying the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth. Theseus is shown forcing the bull-headed monster to its knees, grabbing it by the horn as he raises a labrys (double-headed battleaxe) to strike the final blow. The Minotaur features detailed animal fur texturing and bears the painted abbreviation "TA" (for Tauros) on its shoulder. Side & Rear Motifs: The reverse side features the Cretan princess Ariadne holding her famous "clue of thread"—cleverly rendered as a continuous painted line of white and red dots tracking across the dark background. The scene is anchored by a stylized tree trunk representing the wild landscape, and the area beneath the handle is beautifully framed by large, symmetrical lotus palmette and scrolling vine patterns. SpecificationsType: Ancient Greek Lekythos Replica Style: Classical Red-Figure Pottery Height: 11.5 inches (approx. 29 cm) Diameter: 7.7 inches (approx. 19.5 cm) at the widest point Material: Terracotta Clay Production: Handmade on a pottery wheel (visible throwing rings on the unglazed base), hand-painted with ceramic slip. No modern stamps or factory logos. Condition Report Excellent Vintage/Modern Condition. This piece has been exceptionally well cared for. The glossy black finish and terracotta painted details remain completely crisp, bright, and vibrant. There are no chips, no cracks, no scuffs, and no paint wear anywhere on the vessel. All markings on the surface—including the light-colored lines and trail of dots—are original, deliberate elements painted by the artist to represent Ariadne's thread and the mythical setting. Pickup category timeslot {A}

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