As the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces, so too is there a strong continuation of the Roman style in Byzantine articles. The use of rosettes as decoration has a history that’s stretches as far back as 4thmillennium B.C. Egypt, and was a common decorative technique used throughout the Mediterranean during ancient periods. Oil lamps filler, such as this fine example, would have been used in either domestic or religious settings to replenish the oil lamps which were the main source of light at this time.
To disocver more about Byzantine art, please visit our relevant blog post: The Byzantine Empire, Art and Christianity.