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Terracotta oil lamp

4th–5th century CE
Not on view
Vessberg Type 18. Unpierced handle. Mold-made. Discus: victorious racehorse running left and wearing ornate collar, flanked to either side by herringbone wreath; two filing holes at top and bottom left. Above horse: indistinct letters (?); below horse: indistinct letters. On shoulder, stylized vine tendril with bunches of grapes. Rounded nozzle with large wick hole. On undefined, slightly concave base, indistinct Greek letters in relief: EYTYXHTOC (?).

Intact. Buff clay. Two halves of mold slightly misaligned at front.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Late Imperial
  • Date: 4th–5th century CE
  • Culture: Roman, Cypriot
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 3/8 x 3 in. (3.5 x 7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2243
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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