Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Matrix lamp - 105 mm
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Greco‑Hellenistic matrix lamp, grey terracotta, 105 × 52 × 35 mm, dating to the 1st century BCE, produced by matrix moulding, intact in very good condition, acquired in 2026 from a German private collection.
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Description from the seller
Greek-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greek terracotta oil lamp of Hellenistic time, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made from gray clay in a matrix. The lamp has a stocky, profiled body with a long, drawn-out snout and a large wick opening, as well as a high-set ring handle. The slightly recessed disk features a central filling opening. The descending shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows longitudinal ribbing.
A very close comparison can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Inv. 74.51.2136). The specimen there, also dated to the 1st century BCE, is described as a matrix-formed Greek-Hellenistic lamp with ring handle, slightly concave disk, radially grooved shoulder and a compact body. The dimensions 10.5 × 3.5 cm also agree.
Material: Terracotta, gray clay
Dimensions: 105 × 52 × 35 mm
Dating: 1st century BCE
Culture / Origin: Greek, Greece
Manufacture: Matrix-formed
Reference / Comparison:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Inv. 74.51.2136
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/241689
Condition:
Intact, very good preservation
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland. The invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Greek-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greek terracotta oil lamp of Hellenistic time, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made from gray clay in a matrix. The lamp has a stocky, profiled body with a long, drawn-out snout and a large wick opening, as well as a high-set ring handle. The slightly recessed disk features a central filling opening. The descending shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows longitudinal ribbing.
A very close comparison can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Inv. 74.51.2136). The specimen there, also dated to the 1st century BCE, is described as a matrix-formed Greek-Hellenistic lamp with ring handle, slightly concave disk, radially grooved shoulder and a compact body. The dimensions 10.5 × 3.5 cm also agree.
Material: Terracotta, gray clay
Dimensions: 105 × 52 × 35 mm
Dating: 1st century BCE
Culture / Origin: Greek, Greece
Manufacture: Matrix-formed
Reference / Comparison:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Inv. 74.51.2136
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/241689
Condition:
Intact, very good preservation
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland. The invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek, Hellenistic
Century/timeframe
1. Jh. v. Chr.
Name of object
Matrix lamp
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
105 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1999
Width
52 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
35 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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