ITEM: Oil lamp, Type Howland 25 B
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th - 3rd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 37 mm x 60 mm x 83 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Greek oil lamps were essential household items in ancient Greece, providing light and illumination during the evening hours. These lamps were typically made from clay, although examples crafted from bronze or other metals also exist. Greek oil lamps consisted of a shallow, bowl-shaped reservoir for holding olive oil, which served as the fuel source, and a central spout or nozzle through which a wick could be inserted. The design of Greek oil lamps varied across different regions and time periods, with some featuring simple, utilitarian forms while others were elaborately decorated with ornate motifs and patterns.

The use of oil lamps in ancient Greece dates back to the Bronze Age, but they became increasingly widespread and standardized during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Oil lamps were used in both public and private spaces, including homes, temples, workshops, and public buildings. In addition to providing illumination, oil lamps played a role in religious rituals and ceremonies, where they were used to light sacred spaces, altars, and shrines as offerings to the gods.

Greek oil lamps are valuable artifacts for archaeologists and historians studying ancient Greek daily life, technology, and material culture. The examination of lamp typologies, manufacturing techniques, and decorative styles can provide insights into ancient Greek craftsmanship, artistic expression, and social customs.

Good condition

3.7 x 6 x 8.3 cm