Terracotta oil lamp
Vessberg Type 20. Mold-made. Shallow, lentoid shape, with impressed decoration. Large, oval central filling hole, surrounded by a broad band containing a star pattern between two circular grooves; the star pattern comprising four linear radiating spokes, each consisting of two rows of small impressed circles flanking a central groove and, between the spokes, four triangles (the two at back, containing a single impressed circle, and the two at front, three impressed circles; the outer circular groove broken by the wick hole. On the uneven base, a disk pattern, poorly executed, comprising a central dot with a circular groove, surrounded by a row of impressed dots and another circular groove, with a linear spoke at front, and traces of dots at back.
Intact.
Intact.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta oil lamp
- Period: Early Byzantine
- Date: late 5th–6th century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Terracotta
- Dimensions: Overall: 3/4 x 3 5/8 in. (1.9 x 9.2 cm)
- Classification: Terracottas
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.2046
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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ca. 100 BCE
3rd century BCE–3rd century CE
1st century BCE–1st century CE
1st–2nd century CE
2nd century CE
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