Roman Oil Lamp with Linear Design and Rosettes

$248.55

This finely decorated Ancient Roman red terracotta oil lamp of piriform shape features a deeply hollowed body with a deeply set discus and small filling hole. Both the discuss and the shoulder features a pattern of radial fluting with the shoulder also displaying three beautiful rosettes. The nozzle is decorated with fine volutes and the base is formed of two concentric circles.

Date: 1st – 2nd century AD
Condition: Fine, complete and intact.

SOLD

SKU: JLS-15 Category: Tags: ,

The roman oil lamp, a product almost unparalleled in its distribution throughout the empire, developed towards the end of the Hellenistic period and was to keep its general shape longer than any other item of pottery throughout the Mediterranean. The vast trade networks set up with the expansion of the Roman empire allowed for this item to be spread across Europe, Eastern Asia and Northern Africa. As well as linear, geometric and circular designs, favourite subjects for decoration of oil lamps included gods and mythological scenes, scenes from everyday life, gladiatorial depictions, drawings relating to entertainment and theatre, and various animals, fish and birds.

Weight 64.8 g
Dimensions L 8.3 x W 5.8 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

You may also like…