Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Matrix lamp - 105 mm
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Griechisch-hellenistic Matrizens lamp with grey terracotta, 1st century BCE, moulded in a matrix, with a compact body, elongated snout, raised ring handle and central filling hole on a slightly sunken disk; dimensions 105 × 52 × 35 mm; excellent condition; acquired 2026 from a German art dealer, previously in a private collection since 1999, authentic original item, reference Metropolitan Museum of Art 74.51.2136.
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Description from the seller
Greek-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greek Terracotta oil lamp of Hellenistic period, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made from grey clay in a mold. The lamp features a compact, profiled body with a long, elongated snout and a large wick opening as well as a tall-set ring handle. The slightly sunken disk has a central filling opening. The sloping shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows a longitudinal groove.
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 a ring handle, slightly concave disk, radially grooved shoulder and compact body. The measurements 10.5 × 3.5 cm also match.
Material: Terracotta, grey 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 condition
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland. The invoice exists and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Greek-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greek Terracotta oil lamp of Hellenistic period, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made from grey clay in a mold. The lamp features a compact, profiled body with a long, elongated snout and a large wick opening as well as a tall-set ring handle. The slightly sunken disk has a central filling opening. The sloping shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows a longitudinal groove.
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 a ring handle, slightly concave disk, radially grooved shoulder and compact body. The measurements 10.5 × 3.5 cm also match.
Material: Terracotta, grey 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 condition
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland. The invoice exists 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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