Hellenistic Ptolemaic Period Red Slip Oil Lamp

Object Description

A Hellenistic period mould-made oil lamp, made from terracotta covered in a red-orange slip and produced in Ptolemaic Egypt. The lamp features a double-convex circular body which leads to a long, tapering, round-ended nozzle with slight angles at the junction with the body. The filling hole is marked by an inward sloping band surrounded by an outer groove. There is a solid pointed lug to the left side of the body. The circular base is slightly raised and concave towards the centre. The lamp exhibits some blackening around the nozzle from use.

Date: Circa late 3rd century – early 2nd century BC
Period: Ptolemaic Period

Object History

Ex PA private collection, London, acquired in 1980s.

Object Condition

Fine condition. Some loss of slip and minor chips along with earthly encrustations to the surface. Blackening to the nozzle from use in antiquity. Old collection sticker to base.

Object Details