Levant Terracotta Oil lamp (No reserve price)
03
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08
hours
24
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43
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Current bid
€ 35
No reserve price
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
 | €35 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €30 | |
 | €29 | |
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Levant oil lamp, a terracotta (pottery) piece dating to the 4th–6th century A.D., in good condition, measuring 65 mm by 65 mm by 103 mm, acquired from a French private collection and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and an export license.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Oil lamp
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Levant
PERIOD: 4th - 6th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 65 mm x 65 mm x 103 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
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Oil lamp
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Levant
PERIOD: 4th - 6th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 65 mm x 65 mm x 103 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
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Levant
Century/timeframe
4th - 6th Century A.D
Name of object
Oil lamp
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
