Byzantine/Islamic Bronze Lamp - 18 cm - LUCERNÆ
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,000
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Description from the seller
A Late Roman–Early Byzantine Bronze to early Islamic Oil Lamp, 4th to 10th Century AD
Rare bronze oil lamp of elongated triangular form, featuring a recessed wick channel, central filling hole surrounded by a radiating decorative motif, and an arched handle at the rear. The body is enriched with finely engraved geometric ornamentation and linear borders, demonstrating the refined metalworking traditions of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. The surface displays a rich dark brown patina with areas of mineral accretion and age-related wear, highlighting its considerable antiquity and long burial history. Bronze lamps of this type were used throughout the Eastern Mediterranean during the transition from the Roman to the Byzantine world, serving both domestic and ecclesiastical functions. The combination of elegant proportions, intricate decoration, and excellent state of preservation makes this a particularly attractive example of early Byzantine lighting equipment and a remarkable testament to the continuity of classical craftsmanship into Late Antiquity.
Material: Bronze
Length: 18 cm
Provenance:
Acquired in France from a French private collection formed during the 1980s.
All items come with CoA
A Late Roman–Early Byzantine Bronze to early Islamic Oil Lamp, 4th to 10th Century AD
Rare bronze oil lamp of elongated triangular form, featuring a recessed wick channel, central filling hole surrounded by a radiating decorative motif, and an arched handle at the rear. The body is enriched with finely engraved geometric ornamentation and linear borders, demonstrating the refined metalworking traditions of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. The surface displays a rich dark brown patina with areas of mineral accretion and age-related wear, highlighting its considerable antiquity and long burial history. Bronze lamps of this type were used throughout the Eastern Mediterranean during the transition from the Roman to the Byzantine world, serving both domestic and ecclesiastical functions. The combination of elegant proportions, intricate decoration, and excellent state of preservation makes this a particularly attractive example of early Byzantine lighting equipment and a remarkable testament to the continuity of classical craftsmanship into Late Antiquity.
Material: Bronze
Length: 18 cm
Provenance:
Acquired in France from a French private collection formed during the 1980s.
All items come with CoA
Details
Culture
Byzantine/Islamic
Era
Before 1400
Title additional information
LUCERNÆ
Century/timeframe
4th to 10th Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Country of origin
Unknown
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Style
Antique
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
In working order
No
Height
18 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
6.8 cm
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
