8th-10th century AD. A bronze openwork round-section body expanding to a square-section base with returned poppy-head terminals; palmette detail to the body, bulbous feet to the corners. 784 grams, 11cm (4 1/4"). Property of a German gentleman; formerly in an old Bavarian collection. The decorative elements on this lamp stand would indicate that it was used in a church, possibly one of a pair on an altar. In Christianity the poppy symbolised indifference to the material world and was often used in depictions of the Passion of Christ because of its blood-red colour.

Fair condition; upper socket broken, one foot absent.