Terracotta oil lamp

3rd–4th century CE
Not on view
Vessberg Type 18a. Ring handle, with grooved stem. Mold-made. Sunken discus with central filling hole and close-set radiating lines around side; smaller hole near edge of discus behind nozzle. On shoulder in high relief: alternating vine leaves and bunches of grapes. On flat base within inscribed circle, in incised Greek letters: ΠΛΑ/TWN/OC.

Top of handle broken and repaired. Buff clay.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Late Imperial
  • Date: 3rd–4th century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 3/4 x 3 5/8 in. (4.4 x 9.2 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2251
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.