Roman oil lamp, Type Deneauve VII - 3

Roman oil lamp, Type Deneauve VII - 3
ITEM: Oil lamp, Type Deneauve VII - 3
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 4th - 5th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 67 mm x 91 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Emeritus collection (USA), collected from the 1950’s to the 1980’s by a distinguished university professor who served as Department head, Dean and Vice President of a major university.

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Oil lamps were integral to daily life in both ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, providing illumination in various settings such as homes, public spaces, and religious sanctuaries. During the Greek period, especially in the Classical and Hellenistic eras (5th to 1st centuries BCE), clay lamps dominated the scene. These lamps were typically wheel-made and featured various shapes, including discus lamps, which had a circular reservoir for oil, and the more intricate mold-made lamps adorned with mythological and decorative motifs. The designs often reflected the artistic styles and cultural themes of the time, showcasing scenes from Greek mythology or depictions of daily life.

In the Roman period, which succeeded the Hellenistic era and extended from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, oil lamps continued to be widely used, and their designs evolved. Roman lamps became more standardized and practical, featuring shapes like the "Roman discus" lamp, characterized by a flat, circular body and a small central filling hole for oil. Some Roman lamps displayed intricate relief decorations and symbols, often connected to Roman religious beliefs or household themes. The spread of Roman influence throughout the Mediterranean facilitated the dissemination of standardized lamp designs, leading to a broader cultural continuity in lamp production.

The use of oil lamps extended beyond mere practicality; they played a role in religious rituals as well. In both Greek and Roman cultures, oil lamps were utilized in religious ceremonies and were often placed in sanctuaries or tombs as offerings to the gods or for the deceased.

Measurement:	6.7 x 4 cm
Depth:	9.1 cm