The lèbes gamikòs or "nuptial lebes" (pl.: lèbetes gamikòi) 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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Women_bath_Asteas_Lebes_gamikos_MAN_Inv11445_n1.jpg/220px-Women_bath_Asteas_Lebes_gamikos_MAN_Inv11445_n1.jpg)
One of the earliest lèbetes gamikòi was apparently painted by a follower of Sophilos (c. 580–570). It was decorated with the wedding procession of Helen and Menelaus.[3]
A typical lèbes gamikòs shows wedding scenes[4] (including mythic weddings such as the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, but the iconography can also be related to scenes such as mimes).