Terracotta oil lamp

7th century CE
Not on view
Vessberg type 19 (slipper lamp). Mold-made, with applied conical handle. Broad, sharply carinated body; a large central filling hole, with raised lip and another raised line that runs forward to the wick hole, forming a channel between the two; on the shoulder, a pattern of wavy tendrils in relief, with a band of chevrons around the entire edge. Undefined base.

One large chip in left side of wick hole, and a hole in upper left side of shoulder.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Early Byzantine
  • Date: 7th century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 5/8 x 3 1/2 in. (4.1 x 8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2129
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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