Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Cast in bronze via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique, a double-spouted oil lamp featuring a magnificent lion-head finial on the handle - the wild feline presenting an expressive - dramatically roaring - visage. The rounded lamp body has a tiered raised tondo with a central depression showing five perforations, and two hooked wick spouts - all atop a flat foot. Oil lamps such as this were filled with olive oil, had wicks placed inside the spouts, and were used to light homes, shops, holy places, and many other locations throughout the Roman world; in fact, they were among the most ubiquitous objects in antiquity. Enveloped in verdigris, forest green, and russet brown patina, this is a truly exceptional example from the Roman Empire! Size: 6" L x 3.25" H (15.2 cm x 8.3 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt - and of course lions were also used in the Roman arenas where they would fight other animals, such as tigers and bears.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140699

Minor losses to lion's mane and other high-pointed areas. Normal surface wear and areas of abrasion commensurate with age. Covered with layers or green, verdigris, and russet brown patina that have developed over the ages.