Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp from North Africa

GBP 295.00

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Object Description

A very fine and beautifully moulded Roman bright red terracotta oil lamp featuring an intricately decorated discus and shoulder in low relief. The body of the lamp bears an elongated oval shape and circular discus surrounded by a low ridge that continues around a large nozzle hole to form a broad channel. At the top, a solid blade-shaped handle flattened on both sides is attached. A circular ridge on the base extends in a straight line to the handle. The slightly concave discus bears two small filling holes and beautiful decoration in low relief. The primary iconography is a two-handled jug or amphora from which spring stylized vines and buds, flanked by two birds shown in profile, likely belonging to the ‘overflowing vase” motif. The shoulder surrounding the discus bears an ornate pattern comprised of chevrons and beaded semi-circles that simultaneously recalls both floral and geometric motifs. This lamp is a fine example of the group of North African lamps produced in Terra Sigillata Africana (TSA), and was likely moulded in the Roman provinces of North Africa, present-day central Tunisia. It can be classified as type Atlante X, Hayes II A.

Date: Circa 4th – 6th Century AD.

Object History

From a private Preston, Lancashire collection, RB, who amassed a collection of over 200 lamps, the majority acquired via a London A.D.A. member gallery.

Object Condition

Very fine; minor wear on decorated portion and on reverse; minor earthly deposits.

Object Details

  • material
  • dimensions
    W:12.6 x H:5.5 centimeters

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)208 364 4565
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+44 (0)7833231322
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Dealer Location

The Gallery
Trent Park Equestrian Centre
Eastpole Farm House, Bramley Road
Oakwood, N14 4UW, United Kingdom

St James's Ancient Art
10 Charles II Street, Ground Floor
St James
London
SW1Y 4AA

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