Roman-Byzantine cultural sphere Terracotta Ancient Terracotta Oil Lamp with Griffin or Rooster Depiction - 4 cm
15
days
08
hours
46
minutes
12
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145304 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Roman-Byzantine terracotta oil lamp from around the 4th–6th century AD, decorated with a moulded griffin and measuring 4 × 13 × 8 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient terracotta oil lamp with a rounded body and elongated nozzle. The shoulder is richly decorated with a continuous relief frieze of rosettes and geometric motifs framing the central discus. The discus features a finely moulded griffin, the mythical creature combining the head and wings of an eagle with the body of a lion. Shown in profile, the griffin is flanked by two air holes that are harmoniously incorporated into the overall composition.
The lamp was produced in a two-part mould and features a broad filling hole at the base of the handle. The reverse is plain, following the typical form of Late Antique lamps. It is made of finely fired orange-red terracotta with an attractive archaeological surface.
Distinct soot deposits around the nozzle attest to its original use. The lamp displays expected age-related wear, minor chips, and surface encrustations, while remaining in a well-preserved and authentic condition.
Griffins were among the most important protective creatures in the art of the Roman and Byzantine periods, symbolising strength, vigilance, and divine protection. Comparable mould-made lamps with mythological motifs are known from workshops throughout the eastern Mediterranean and are generally dated to the 4th–6th century AD.
Condition: Soot deposits around the nozzle, minor chips, surface wear, and age-related encrustations. Overall well preserved.
The modern display stand is used solely for presentation and is not part of the ancient object.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Ancient terracotta oil lamp with a rounded body and elongated nozzle. The shoulder is richly decorated with a continuous relief frieze of rosettes and geometric motifs framing the central discus. The discus features a finely moulded griffin, the mythical creature combining the head and wings of an eagle with the body of a lion. Shown in profile, the griffin is flanked by two air holes that are harmoniously incorporated into the overall composition.
The lamp was produced in a two-part mould and features a broad filling hole at the base of the handle. The reverse is plain, following the typical form of Late Antique lamps. It is made of finely fired orange-red terracotta with an attractive archaeological surface.
Distinct soot deposits around the nozzle attest to its original use. The lamp displays expected age-related wear, minor chips, and surface encrustations, while remaining in a well-preserved and authentic condition.
Griffins were among the most important protective creatures in the art of the Roman and Byzantine periods, symbolising strength, vigilance, and divine protection. Comparable mould-made lamps with mythological motifs are known from workshops throughout the eastern Mediterranean and are generally dated to the 4th–6th century AD.
Condition: Soot deposits around the nozzle, minor chips, surface wear, and age-related encrustations. Overall well preserved.
The modern display stand is used solely for presentation and is not part of the ancient object.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Roman-Byzantine cultural sphere
Century/timeframe
ca. 4th–6th century AD
Name of object
Ancient Terracotta Oil Lamp with Griffin or Rooster Depiction
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
4 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
13 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
8 cm
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.
