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Terracotta oil lamp

2nd–early 3rd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
Carinated body. Mold-made. Small, plain discus with central filling hole; narrow channel between discus and nozzle, flanked by large volutes. Broad, sloping shoulder decorated with elongated, rounded tongues in high relief, marked out by incised lines. Broad base ring, flanked by two incised circles, and a flat base with incised letter I at center; two curving incised lines on underside of body to either side of nozzle, with two short incised lines at center, vertical above and horizontal below.

Complete, except for a small hole in front edge of nozzle.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Imperial
  • Date: 2nd–early 3rd century CE
  • Culture: Roman, Egyptian
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 x 3 1/16 in. (2.5 x 7.8 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2219
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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