Oil Lamp, Egypt, Roman Period, 2nd–4th Century A.d.

Oil lamp
Probably a Shier A 5.1 model.

This lamp features a beautiful balance between the rounded reservoir and the elongated spout. The design evokes a stylized frog, whose hindquarters and folded legs appear behind the filling basin. Harmoniously arranged small knobs enliven the top, while two small scrolls highlight the junction between the central circle and the start of the spout.

Associated with Héqet, the Egyptian goddess who protects childbirth, the frog symbolizes fertility and the renewal of life. This decoration carries on Egyptian traditions in Roman-era productions.

Dimensions: H. 2.7 × L. 8 × W. 6 cm.

Provenance: Former VDW Private Collection, Hoofddorp, Netherlands, assembled before 1983.

Formerly in the Ader sale, Drouot, Paris.

Comparative Bibliography
– Petrie Museum, University College London, frog lamp, inv. UC 50856, for its detached spout and animal decoration.

– Jean Bussière and Birgitta Lindros Wohl, Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2017, “Frog Lamps” section, nos. 508–509, for the typological family.

Sold with a certificate of authenticity by expert Serge Reynes. Guaranteed to be original and of the period.
Additional photos available upon request.

* Shipping costs upon request.