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ITEM: Oil lamp
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 37 mm x 60 mm x 85 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license

If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.

Greek oil lamps were essential household items in ancient Greece, providing light and illumination during the evening hours. These lamps were typically made from clay, although examples crafted from bronze or other metals also exist. Greek oil lamps consisted of a shallow, bowl-shaped reservoir for holding olive oil, which served as the fuel source, and a central spout or nozzle through which a wick could be inserted. The design of Greek oil lamps varied across different regions and time periods, with some featuring simple, utilitarian forms while others were elaborately decorated with ornate motifs and patterns.

The use of oil lamps in ancient Greece dates back to the Bronze Age, but they became increasingly widespread and standardized during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Oil lamps were used in both public and private spaces, including homes, temples, workshops, and public buildings. In addition to providing illumination, oil lamps played a role in religious rituals and ceremonies, where they were used to light sacred spaces, altars, and shrines as offerings to the gods.

Greek oil lamps are valuable artifacts for archaeologists and historians studying ancient Greek daily life, technology, and material culture. The examination of lamp typologies, manufacturing techniques, and decorative styles can provide insights into ancient Greek craftsmanship, artistic expression, and social customs.