Archaeology - Artifact - Antiquity - Terracotta Oil Lamp - Roman Empire

Period: 175/225 (4th quarter of the 2nd century AD; 1st quarter of the 3rd century AD) Origin: Proconsular Africa Provenance: Private collection, Southern France A beautiful Roman oil lamp in molded terracotta, with a closed reservoir, a round spout, a vertical handle, and a central medallion with a central boss. This type of lamp is characteristic of the large-scale African productions distributed throughout the Roman Empire between the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD. The object features a regular radiating decoration on the rim, as well as an egg-and-dart border, typical of these standardized series. Material: Molded terracotta, with a consistent, aged patina. The surface shows regular wear consistent with its age. Shape: Rounded reservoir with a projecting round spout, perforated vertical handle molded into the piece. The central disc is concave with a well-defined boss, accompanied by two dots below the medallion. A functional vent hole is present. Decoration: Radiating molded decoration on the rim, egg-and-dart border. The base is circular, slightly raised in a ring, and bears an impressed maker's mark in Latin, corresponding to a workshop signature. Use: Oil lamps were one of the main means of lighting in the Roman world. They were used in homes, workshops, baths, and also in certain religious or funerary contexts. A quintessential everyday object, the lamp accompanied domestic activities in the evening and at night, embodying the intimate relationship the Ancients had with light and fire. Condition: Very good overall condition. Intact lamp, without structural breakage. Regular surface wear. Beautiful antique patina. Original vent holes not forced. No visible glue. Dimensions: Diameter: 8.3 cm. ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!