An Apulian terracotta lekythos with bridal scene. 4th century BC. 29cm high. From an esteemed American collection

A few specific types of the Apulian terracotta vessels were reserved for the bridal rituals; among them a lekythos is a container for scented oil. The bride and groom are represented seated on a very richly ornamented couch with striped pillows. According to the hairstyle (long spiral locks) and ivy wreath of the young man, wrapped in a long himation but exposing his ideally shaped torso, he is not a mortal but Dionysos greeting his Ariadne. The young woman - elegantly dressed and bejeweled - holds an ornamented mirror as a symbol of her irresistible beauty.