Noble essences, aromatic oils, ointments and perfumes, which had to be used sparingly, were stored in lidded vessels, such as liquid, volatile substances in an exaleiptron. This had a rim turned inwards to collect the perfume bouquet. Numerous Attic red-figured vase paintings attest to the use of exaleiptra in female chamber scenes or in connection with representations of the bride and the wedding. Their contents may have been bath oil or liquid soap, which was taken from the exaleiptron by dabbing. (AVS)
Former Erhart Kästner Collection, Wolfenbüttel
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