4th century B.C. A black-ware ceramic skyphoid pyxis lid, circular in plan with slender tubular stem and lentoid-section handle, painted with the head of a lady of fashion, dressed in a patterned sakkos, or kekryphalos headgear tied with ribbons, wearing a stephane, drop pearl earrings and beaded necklace; scrolls and stylised foliate elements to the field. Cf. Trendall A.D. & Cambitoglou, A., The Red-figured Vases of Apulia, vol. II, Oxford, 1982, pl.388. 264 grams, 14.5 cm wide (5 3/4 in.). Acquired 1980s-1990s. Collection of M. Cummings, Lincolnshire, UK. The primary decoration of female head on this miniature pyxis lid was a widespread motif in South Italian vase painting during 4th century B.C. Although it is most probable that Taranto was the main production centre for Apulian red-figure, the recent extensive finds at Canosa, Melfi and other sites support the view that a careful analysis of variations in style on the basis of provenance should make possible a more precise location of other Apulian centres of manufacture. South Italian vases decorated with isolated heads have mainly been found in funerary contexts, either within or above tombs. [No Reserve]