Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Dionysus, Panther and Phallus

GBP 1,250.00

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Object Description

A Roman red terracotta oil lamp with a rounded body, concave discus, and triangular voluted nozzle. There is one filling hole to the right of the discus, and three incised concentric circles surround the decorative scene. The central discus is decorated with the head of Bacchus (the Roman equivalent of Dionysus) facing right, with a long nose, and pointed headpiece; this head ‘sprouts’ from the back of a panther standing facing left. To the right is a separate phallus. The reverse of the lamp is plain with a singular line marking the base.

Date: Circa 1st-2nd Century AD

Object History

Purchased at Christie’s 20 March 1978, lot 36 (part of a group)

Object Condition

Fine, complete and intact with original pigment visible. Chip to the nozzle rim.

Object Details

  • material
  • dimensions
    W:7.5 x H:2.2 x D:10.4 centimeters

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)208 364 4565
Mobile
+44 (0)7833231322
Web
Email

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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