What is a lekythos vase?

A lekythos is a type of ancient Greek pottery, typically used for storing oil, especially olive oil. It features a narrow body, a single handle, and a long neck, often with a small, flared mouth. Lekythoi were commonly used in funerary contexts, as offerings to the dead, and are often decorated with intricate paintings depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, or funerary rituals. Their distinctive shape and artistic designs make them significant for understanding ancient Greek culture and art.