ITEM: Oil lamp MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Levant PERIOD: 4th - 6th Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 52 mm x 68 mm x 101 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 2000s The term Levant oil lamp broadly refers to the diverse ceramic and metal lighting vessels produced and used in the region encompassing modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, particularly during the Roman and Byzantine periods (roughly 1st to 7th centuries CE). These lamps are distinct from their Greek and Western Roman counterparts due to specific local clay compositions, firing techniques, and, most importantly, their unique local styles and iconography. Initially, the lamps mirrored Roman imports (like the firmalampen), but local workshops quickly developed their own molds and designs. The abundance and variety of these lamps are a testament to the high population density and the widespread commercial and religious activity across the Levantine provinces of the Roman Empire. A significant style is the "Herodian lamp," characteristic of the 1st century CE, which is wheel-made, undecorated, and features a pinched nozzle and large filling hole. Following the rise of Christianity and other local religious movements, the most recognizable forms emerged: the "Slipper lamp" (or slipper-shaped lamp, common in the 2nd-4th centuries CE) and the "Byzantine lamp" (4th-7th centuries CE). The latter is typically characterized by an elongated oval body, a wide filling hole, and intricate decoration on the nozzle and shoulders, often featuring geometric patterns, vine scrolls, and, increasingly, Christian symbolism such as crosses, grapes, and even scenes from the Bible. These molded lamps were mass-produced, making them affordable and widely distributed throughout the region. The evolution of decoration on Levant lamps provides valuable insight into the region's socio-religious history. During the Byzantine period, the inclusion of overtly Christian motifs became standard, reflecting the official status of the religion. Simultaneously, lamps with Jewish symbols (like the menorah) and Samaritan symbols were also produced, often limited to specific areas. Found extensively in tombs, churches, synagogues, and homes, these oil lamps functioned not only as sources of light but also as votive objects, ritual items, and historical documents. Their stratified discovery in archaeological excavations helps scholars track the transition of cultural and religious influences across one of the most dynamic crossroads of the ancient world. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.