Ancient Roman - Multi-spout oil lamp with cross and animal decoration - expert appraisal by Jean Roudillon
06
days
17
hours
21
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46
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Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 800 - € 950
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Roman ceramic oil lamp with five star‑shaped spouts, beige‑orange glaze, central motif of a cross, animals and ears of corn, dating to the 3rd–4th century AD, in good condition with no restoration, length 9.7 cm, authentic/original, expertised by Jean Roudillon, provenance France (Galerie O.S.T.), acquired in 2020.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Roman oil lamp in orange-beige ceramic with five spouts.
Rare lamp with multiple spouts arranged in a star shape, adorned at its center with a cross, animals and ears of wheat. Each branch is decorated with a geometric motif made of circles and lines.
Roman oil lamps made of ceramic were common household items used for lighting in ancient Roman times. These lamps were a practical and essential part of daily life, providing illumination during the evening hours. They were used in both private residences and public spaces throughout the Roman Empire, which spanned several centuries, from around 27 BC to 476 AD.
Characteristics of Roman Oil Lamps (Ceramic):
Material: Roman oil lamps were typically made of ceramic (pottery), though some more luxurious versions could be crafted from metal or other materials.
Shape and Design: Roman oil lamps came in various shapes and designs. They usually had a shallow, saucer-like body with a central filling hole for the oil and a small spout or nozzle for the wick. The lamps often had a handle for carrying or hanging.
Wick and Fuel: A wick made of fibrous material, such as linen or cotton, would be inserted through the nozzle and soaked in oil as the fuel source. Common types of fuel used in Roman oil lamps included olive oil, vegetable oil, or animal fat.
Decoration: Many Roman oil lamps were decorated with elaborate designs and patterns on the surface. These decorations could include intricate motifs, mythological scenes, animals, plants, or geometric patterns. The level of ornamentation often varied based on the social status and economic means of the owner.
Use and Function: Roman oil lamps were used primarily for indoor lighting, providing a small and focused source of light. They were placed on flat surfaces or suspended from the ceiling or walls using the handle.
Production Centers: Various regions within the Roman Empire had their own centers for producing ceramic lamps. These lamps were produced in large quantities and were affordable for people of different social classes.
Roman oil lamps made of ceramic are valuable archaeological artifacts. They are commonly found during excavations at ancient Roman sites and provide insights into ancient Roman domestic life, lighting practices, and artistic tastes. Today, these lamps are also sought after by collectors and are appreciated for their historical and artistic significance.
Dimensions: length 9.7 cm
Lamp in perfect condition - no restoration
Dating: 3rd / 4th century AD
Appraised by Jean Roudillon, renowned expert
Provenance: France, Galerie O.S.T.,
formerly: From a major collection acquired in the 1980s/1990s
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained; provenance declaration seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will arrange the necessary authorizations, such as an export license (cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateRoman oil lamp in orange-beige ceramic with five spouts.
Rare lamp with multiple spouts arranged in a star shape, adorned at its center with a cross, animals and ears of wheat. Each branch is decorated with a geometric motif made of circles and lines.
Roman oil lamps made of ceramic were common household items used for lighting in ancient Roman times. These lamps were a practical and essential part of daily life, providing illumination during the evening hours. They were used in both private residences and public spaces throughout the Roman Empire, which spanned several centuries, from around 27 BC to 476 AD.
Characteristics of Roman Oil Lamps (Ceramic):
Material: Roman oil lamps were typically made of ceramic (pottery), though some more luxurious versions could be crafted from metal or other materials.
Shape and Design: Roman oil lamps came in various shapes and designs. They usually had a shallow, saucer-like body with a central filling hole for the oil and a small spout or nozzle for the wick. The lamps often had a handle for carrying or hanging.
Wick and Fuel: A wick made of fibrous material, such as linen or cotton, would be inserted through the nozzle and soaked in oil as the fuel source. Common types of fuel used in Roman oil lamps included olive oil, vegetable oil, or animal fat.
Decoration: Many Roman oil lamps were decorated with elaborate designs and patterns on the surface. These decorations could include intricate motifs, mythological scenes, animals, plants, or geometric patterns. The level of ornamentation often varied based on the social status and economic means of the owner.
Use and Function: Roman oil lamps were used primarily for indoor lighting, providing a small and focused source of light. They were placed on flat surfaces or suspended from the ceiling or walls using the handle.
Production Centers: Various regions within the Roman Empire had their own centers for producing ceramic lamps. These lamps were produced in large quantities and were affordable for people of different social classes.
Roman oil lamps made of ceramic are valuable archaeological artifacts. They are commonly found during excavations at ancient Roman sites and provide insights into ancient Roman domestic life, lighting practices, and artistic tastes. Today, these lamps are also sought after by collectors and are appreciated for their historical and artistic significance.
Dimensions: length 9.7 cm
Lamp in perfect condition - no restoration
Dating: 3rd / 4th century AD
Appraised by Jean Roudillon, renowned expert
Provenance: France, Galerie O.S.T.,
formerly: From a major collection acquired in the 1980s/1990s
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained; provenance declaration seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will arrange the necessary authorizations, such as an export license (cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
3ème / 4ème siècle après J.-C.
Name of object
- Multi-spout oil lamp with cross and animal decoration - expert appraisal by Jean Roudillon
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2020
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
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.
