Thelèbes gamikòs or "nuptiallebes" (pl.:lèbetes gamikòi) is a form ofancient 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.
One of the earliestlèbetes gamikòi was apparently painted by a follower ofSophilos (c. 580–570). It was decorated with the wedding procession ofHelen andMenelaus.[3]
A typicallèbes gamikòs shows wedding scenes[4] (including mythic weddings such as the wedding ofPeleus andThetis, but theiconography can also be related to scenes such asmimes).