Egyptian Oil Lamp, Type Similar To Cahn-klaiber 3.1.6 Egypt, Late 2nd – 1st Century Bc

Small lamp with a circular bowl extended by a long, flared spout designed to hold the wick, the enlarged end of which retains a trace of ancient fire. The central filling hole is surrounded by a relief decoration composed of small spherical protrusions forming a regular crown, while the rim of the bowl features an incised radiating motif, accentuating the overall visual dynamism. The modeling remains simple and functional, characteristic of small-batch productions intended for domestic use. The compact silhouette, combined with the length of the spout, corresponds to lamps used for precise and stable lighting. Orange-beige terracotta, natural slip, good overall condition, a few tiny chips, signs of age, see photos. Hellenistic Egypt, late 2nd – 1st century BC, type close to Cahn-Klaiber 3.1.6. Dimensions: 7 × 4.1 × 2.3 cm. Provenance: former French private collection; Acquired at auction at Drouot, 2025. Sold with a certificate from expert S. Reynes and an invoice from the Ocarina Gallery. "These small oil lamps were everyday objects in the homes of Hellenistic Egypt. Quickly manufactured in local workshops, they served both for domestic lighting and for modest ritual uses, particularly in private spaces or votive offerings. The radiating decoration and the ring of pellets around the filling hole are part of a simple symbolic vocabulary, often associated with light and protection. The long nozzle, sometimes described as an elongated or flared tubular nozzle, allowed for more controlled combustion of the wick. Its small size and functional design demonstrate an accessible yet meticulous production, revealing the widespread use of oil lamps in daily life throughout the Mediterranean world on the eve of the Roman era."