Late Roman/Early Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with a horse. 13 cm L. 4th-6th century AD
02
days
18
hours
57
minutes
04
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Current bid
€ 20
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
 | €20 |
|---|
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Description from the seller
Oil Lamp with a horse decoration
Late Roman Empire, 4th-6th century AD
Pottery
13 cm larg and 9 cm width
PROVENANCE: Private collection, France , 1970 – 1980. Acquired from the french art market.
CONDITION: Good, intact, see photos.
Terracotta lamps, commonly known as “lucernas,” were an essential element of daily life in the Roman Empire. These small oil lamps provided light in homes, workshops, temples, and public spaces. Made primarily from terracotta, a type of fired clay, they were relatively inexpensive to produce and widely accessible across different social classes. Their practicality, combined with artistic decoration, made them both functional and decorative objects in Roman material culture.
Roman terracotta lamps were typically made using molds, a technique that allowed artisans to reproduce the same design many times. The process involved pressing clay into a two-part mold, which formed the upper and lower sections of the lamp. After drying, the two halves were joined together, leaving a central hole at the top for pouring oil and a small nozzle where the wick would be placed. Once assembled, the lamp was fired in a kiln to harden the clay.
One of the most distinctive features of these lamps is their relief decoration. The upper surface, known as the discus, often displayed detailed scenes created directly in the mold. These relief images could represent mythological figures, gods and goddesses, animals, gladiatorial combats, theatrical masks, or everyday activities. Some lamps also depicted symbols associated with religion or protection, reflecting the beliefs and cultural values of Roman society.
The relief decoration served several purposes. It enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the lamp, but it could also communicate messages about identity, status, or personal devotion. For example, a lamp showing a deity might indicate the owner’s religious preferences, while scenes of gladiators could reflect the popularity of public spectacles.
Archaeological discoveries across the Roman world—from Italy to Hispania, North Africa, and the Near East—demonstrate the widespread use of these lamps. Their standardized forms and decorative motifs also help archaeologists date archaeological contexts and understand patterns of trade and cultural exchange within the empire.
Thus, terracotta lamps with relief decoration illustrate how everyday Roman objects combined utility, artistic expression, and cultural meaning.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateOil Lamp with a horse decoration
Late Roman Empire, 4th-6th century AD
Pottery
13 cm larg and 9 cm width
PROVENANCE: Private collection, France , 1970 – 1980. Acquired from the french art market.
CONDITION: Good, intact, see photos.
Terracotta lamps, commonly known as “lucernas,” were an essential element of daily life in the Roman Empire. These small oil lamps provided light in homes, workshops, temples, and public spaces. Made primarily from terracotta, a type of fired clay, they were relatively inexpensive to produce and widely accessible across different social classes. Their practicality, combined with artistic decoration, made them both functional and decorative objects in Roman material culture.
Roman terracotta lamps were typically made using molds, a technique that allowed artisans to reproduce the same design many times. The process involved pressing clay into a two-part mold, which formed the upper and lower sections of the lamp. After drying, the two halves were joined together, leaving a central hole at the top for pouring oil and a small nozzle where the wick would be placed. Once assembled, the lamp was fired in a kiln to harden the clay.
One of the most distinctive features of these lamps is their relief decoration. The upper surface, known as the discus, often displayed detailed scenes created directly in the mold. These relief images could represent mythological figures, gods and goddesses, animals, gladiatorial combats, theatrical masks, or everyday activities. Some lamps also depicted symbols associated with religion or protection, reflecting the beliefs and cultural values of Roman society.
The relief decoration served several purposes. It enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the lamp, but it could also communicate messages about identity, status, or personal devotion. For example, a lamp showing a deity might indicate the owner’s religious preferences, while scenes of gladiators could reflect the popularity of public spectacles.
Archaeological discoveries across the Roman world—from Italy to Hispania, North Africa, and the Near East—demonstrate the widespread use of these lamps. Their standardized forms and decorative motifs also help archaeologists date archaeological contexts and understand patterns of trade and cultural exchange within the empire.
Thus, terracotta lamps with relief decoration illustrate how everyday Roman objects combined utility, artistic expression, and cultural meaning.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
4th-6th century AD
Name of object
Oil Lamp with a horse. 13 cm L. 4th-6th century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
