Eastern Roman Empire / Byzantine Empire, ca. 400 to 600 CE. A cast bronze oil lamp with a large cross-formee inside a leaf-shaped border forming its handle. The lamp itself has a deep, projecting spout, and a hinged lid with a conical form. Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, would have been an heirloom, reserved for the richest households. They likely remained in a family for at least three generations because of their expense, and rather than recasting them, people often chose to have additions added to them - like crosses or new lids - to suit changing styles. This type of lamp proved popular and several production centers for the style arose; ultimately they were distributed widely throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, reaching Asia Minor, Morocco, and even Central Europe. Size: 5.7" L x 2.25" W x 3.25" H (14.5 cm x 5.7 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: private Davis Collection, Houston, Texas, USA

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#132934

Encrusted patina commensurate with age. Nicely preserved form, with a functional hinge. Slight bending to the lid.