Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A mold-formed terracotta oil lamp depicting Priapus, the rustic Roman god of gardens and male genitalia. The deity squats atop an integral plinth while presenting his signature phallus, though this example has an uncomfortable pair of piercings through the top to create a fill hole for oil and a wick spout for setting the oil alight. Size: 3.5" L x 3.375" W x 6.5" H (8.9 cm x 8.6 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-London, UK gallery; ex-Arnos Jumperz collection, Leverkusen, Germany, acquired prior to 1994 and thence by descent to family

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#180052

Slight abrasions and small nicks, with softening to some finer details, and light earthen deposits, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to figural form.