Detail of a White-Ground Terracotta Lekythos in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2012

Terracotta lekythos (oil flask)

Period: Classical

Date: ca. 440–430 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; white-ground

Dimensions: H.: 15 in. (38.1 cm) Diam.: 11 in. (27.9 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906

Accession Number: 06.1075

Description:

Two women at tomb

The woman at left holds a kanoun, a large basket presumably containing offerings. The hare on top of the stele itself is difficult to explain. The major questions are whether it represents a living animal or an image and what it signifies. Among the possible interpretations are that the deceased enjoyed hunting hares—a well-attested pursuit—or that the animal was a pet.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/247493