**Originally Listed At $600**

Roman, Holy Land, late Imperial Period, ca. 4th to early 5th century CE. A lovely bronze oil lamp cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) method with a projecting ring base attached with a small tang, a rounded body, a concave discoid wick spout, a pair of perforated lugs for holding a lid, and a tall handle in the shape of a dolphin. Bronze oil lamps like this were typically set atop a tall bronze stand so that the light it produced could be more evenly dispersed throughout a room. Covered in thick layers of matte green and dark brown patina. Size: 6.375" L x 2.25" W x 3.625" H (16.2 cm x 5.7 cm x 9.2 cm).

Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, were a type of heirloom, most likely reserved for the richest households. Bronze lamps are theorized to have been in a family for at least three generations because of their expense. They could also be recast to include new additions - like crosses or new lids - to suit changing styles. This particular 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.

For a stylistically-similar example with a cross-shaped handle resting on a stand, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 28.138a, b: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466702

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#132933

Original lid is missing. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small chips and nicks to wick spout, body, base, and handle, with fading to some details, and light roughness across most surfaces. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.