Description: ANCIENT ROMAN TERRACOTTA OIL LAMP Rare Roman oil lamp with a broken piece depicting a lion being in a position which shows aggression and readiness to attack Dimensions: Weight - 50.3 Grams Size - 8.5x6.5 cm 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. Oil lamps were used by the Romans for mainly three reasons; to light private and public spaces, to give as offerings in temples to the gods and to be placed within a grave or funerary context. 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. In ancient Rome the lion was the symbol of the fallen hero, and was also used as the guardian of gates, temples, and public buildings. This oil lamp is a captivating artefact that provides a tangible link to the ancient Roman world Age: 200-400 AD Provenance: Previously in a European collection formed in the 1980s
Price: 70 GBP
Location: Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
End Time: 2024-11-09T09:00:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: 18.81 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 14 days
Antique: Yes
Type: Lamp
Original/Repro: Original
Material: Terracotta
Age: Pre-1800
