A small ancient Roman oil lamp in bronze. The lamp features a torus-shaped body, resting on a circular foot, with a small rounded spout. The discus is slightly funnel-shaped decorated with incised concentric circles. An elaborate handle arches at the back, terminating in a trefoil reflector and horse-head finial, pierced at the mouth to accept reins, now missing. The lamp is intact with some chipping to one side of the body, patination and earthy encrustations to the surface. The Roman oil lamp, originally called a ‘lychnus’, from the Greek ‘λυχνος’, has been almost unparalleled in its distribution throughout the Empire. First developed towards the end of the Hellenistic period, oil lamps were to keep their general shape longer than any other item of pottery throughout the Mediterranean. The vast trade networks set with the expansion of the Roman Empire allowed this item to be spread across Europe, Eastern Asia and Northern Africa. Oil lamps were used by the Romans for mainly three reasons; to light private and public spaces, to give as offerings in temples to the gods and to be placed within a grave or funerary context. Measurements: (circa) L 9.5cm x W 6.5cm Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.