Lebes Gamikos
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).[1][2] 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.
![](../I/m/Women_bath_Asteas_Lebes_gamikos_MAN_Inv11445_n1.jpg)
One of the earliest lebetes gamikoi was painted by, apparently, a follower of Sophilos (c. 580 - 570). The lebes gamikos had the typical wedding procession, accompanied by the unique addition of chariots bearing Helen and Menelaos and the bride's brothers.[3]
A typical lebes gamikos shows wedding scenes (including mythic weddings such as the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, but the iconography can also be related to scenes such as mimes.
Notes
- "lebes gamikos". Retrieved 4 January 2019.
- "Traditionelle Hochzeitsbräuche aus Bulgarien und Griechenland". Retrieved 4 January 2019.
- Boardman, John (1974). Athenian Black Figure Vases. World of Art. Thames & Hudson. p. 19. ISBN 9780500181447.