Christian Terracotta Oil lamp depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Oil lamp depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Christian
PERIOD: 5th - 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 46 mm x 76 mm x 125 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 2000s
PARALLEL: ENNABLI, A., Lampes chrétiennes de Tunisie (musées du Bardo et de Carthage), Pl. XV, Fig. 1025
A Christian oil lamp with a monogrammatic cross is a significant artifact from the early Christian period, typically dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. These lamps were used for both practical and symbolic purposes, providing light in homes, churches, and tombs. The oil lamps were usually made of terracotta, clay, or sometimes metal, and their design often incorporated Christian symbols, including the monogrammatic cross, which was a representation of Christ. The monogram, typically formed by overlapping the Greek letters "XP" (for "Christos"), was a popular Christian symbol during the late Roman Empire and early Christian period, signifying both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ.
The monogrammatic cross on these oil lamps was more than just decorative; it had deep religious significance. Early Christians, who often faced persecution, used subtle symbols such as this cross to identify each other and to convey their faith without drawing unwanted attention. The monogram itself became a powerful and widely recognized symbol of Christ, sometimes also combined with other Christian motifs like the fish (Ichthys) or the Good Shepherd. The presence of these symbols on everyday objects like oil lamps reflects how Christianity was integrated into daily life, even in times when the faith was not officially recognized by the Roman Empire.
These lamps were often found in Christian burial sites, where they were used not only for practical purposes but also to symbolize the eternal light of Christ and the promise of resurrection. Many early Christian tombs featured oil lamps as offerings to illuminate the path to the afterlife. In addition to their liturgical and funerary roles, they were used during worship services, especially in house churches, where lighting and symbols of faith were crucial for creating a sacred atmosphere.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
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 depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Christian
PERIOD: 5th - 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 46 mm x 76 mm x 125 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 2000s
PARALLEL: ENNABLI, A., Lampes chrétiennes de Tunisie (musées du Bardo et de Carthage), Pl. XV, Fig. 1025
A Christian oil lamp with a monogrammatic cross is a significant artifact from the early Christian period, typically dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. These lamps were used for both practical and symbolic purposes, providing light in homes, churches, and tombs. The oil lamps were usually made of terracotta, clay, or sometimes metal, and their design often incorporated Christian symbols, including the monogrammatic cross, which was a representation of Christ. The monogram, typically formed by overlapping the Greek letters "XP" (for "Christos"), was a popular Christian symbol during the late Roman Empire and early Christian period, signifying both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ.
The monogrammatic cross on these oil lamps was more than just decorative; it had deep religious significance. Early Christians, who often faced persecution, used subtle symbols such as this cross to identify each other and to convey their faith without drawing unwanted attention. The monogram itself became a powerful and widely recognized symbol of Christ, sometimes also combined with other Christian motifs like the fish (Ichthys) or the Good Shepherd. The presence of these symbols on everyday objects like oil lamps reflects how Christianity was integrated into daily life, even in times when the faith was not officially recognized by the Roman Empire.
These lamps were often found in Christian burial sites, where they were used not only for practical purposes but also to symbolize the eternal light of Christ and the promise of resurrection. Many early Christian tombs featured oil lamps as offerings to illuminate the path to the afterlife. In addition to their liturgical and funerary roles, they were used during worship services, especially in house churches, where lighting and symbols of faith were crucial for creating a sacred atmosphere.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
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
Christian
Century/ Timeframe
5th - 7th Century A.D
Name of object
Oil lamp depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a
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
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
