Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Matrix lamp - 105 mm
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Current bid
€ 7
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €7 | |
|---|---|---|
| €6 | |
| €5 | |
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Greek-Hellenistic terracotta matrice lamp, 1st century BCE, mould-formed in grey clay with a compact body, long snout, high ring handle, a slightly concave disk with a central filling opening, radially grooved shoulder and longitudinal groove on the handle; dimensions 105 × 52 × 35 mm; condition excellent; acquired in 2026 from a German dealer, previously in a private collection since 1999 (Germany).
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Description from the seller
Greco-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greco-Hellenistic terracotta oil lamp from the Hellenistic period, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made of gray clay in a matrix (mold). The lamp has a compact, profiled body with a long, elongated snout and a large wick opening as well as a tall ring handle. The slightly recessed discus features a central filling hole. The sloping shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows a longitudinal groove.
A very close comparison is located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Inv. 74.51.2136). The piece there, also dated to the 1st century BCE, is described as a matrix-formed Greco-Hellenistic lamp with a ring handle, slightly concave discus, radially grooved shoulder and a compact body. The dimensions 10.5 × 3.5 cm also match.
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 condition
Provenance:
Purchased in 2026 from a German art dealer, previously since before 2000 in the private collection H. L., Rhineland. The invoice is available and will be provided to the buyer in copy.
Greco-Hellenistic matrix lamp, 1st century BCE.
Greco-Hellenistic terracotta oil lamp from the Hellenistic period, Greece, 1st century BCE.
Made of gray clay in a matrix (mold). The lamp has a compact, profiled body with a long, elongated snout and a large wick opening as well as a tall ring handle. The slightly recessed discus features a central filling hole. The sloping shoulder is decorated with radially arranged grooves or notches. The handle shows a longitudinal groove.
A very close comparison is located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Inv. 74.51.2136). The piece there, also dated to the 1st century BCE, is described as a matrix-formed Greco-Hellenistic lamp with a ring handle, slightly concave discus, radially grooved shoulder and a compact body. The dimensions 10.5 × 3.5 cm also match.
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 condition
Provenance:
Purchased in 2026 from a German art dealer, previously since before 2000 in the 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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