Subasta Bidspirit | Egyptian 'Frog' oil lamp, Type

Egyptian 'Frog' oil lamp, Type Shier A 5.2 - ITEM: 'Frog' Oil lamp, Type Shier A 5.2 MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Egyptian PERIOD: 2nd - 4th Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 35 mm x 64 mm x 76 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex American private collection, New York, acquired before 2000s 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. The Egyptian frog oil lamp is a distinctive artifact from the ancient Egyptian world, reflecting the culture's practical ingenuity and symbolic use of everyday objects. These lamps, often made from materials such as pottery or stone, were designed to hold and burn oil, typically olive oil, to provide light. The frog shape of the lamp was not merely decorative but also held symbolic significance. Frogs were associated with fertility and rebirth in ancient Egyptian culture, as they were among the first animals to appear after the annual flooding of the Nile, which was crucial for agriculture. This symbolism likely made the frog-shaped lamps not only functional but also imbued with a deeper cultural meaning. The design of Egyptian frog oil lamps typically features the frog’s body as the main reservoir for the oil, with the frog’s head or back serving as the wick holder. This practical design ensured that the oil was efficiently used and that the lamp provided a steady, even light. The simplicity of the frog design also reflects the broader trend in Egyptian art and artifacts, where functional items were often adorned with motifs that carried symbolic or religious significance. These lamps would have been used in various contexts, including domestic settings and religious ceremonies, highlighting their role in both everyday life and ritual practices. In terms of craftsmanship, the frog oil lamp represents the high level of skill in Egyptian pottery and metalwork. The attention to detail in the lamp’s design, from the accurate depiction of the frog’s form to the functional aspects of oil containment and lighting, showcases the blend of artistry and practicality that characterized much of ancient Egyptian material culture.