Rome, Imperial, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A fine mold-made red terracotta oil lamp presenting a discoid body with a rounded shoulder, a pointed spout, a recessed central tondo with two petite fill holes, and a raised handle, all sitting upon a circular base. Surrounded by a striped border, the sunken tondo displays the relief of a majestic griffin in stride, replete with a horned head, flowing wings, clawed feet, and a flagellate tail. The Roman mythos depict the griffin as being representative of power, authority, and wealth (especially gold), and lamps like these would have been used to pray for wealth above all else. A stylish example of a well-known mythological creature! Size: 5" L x 3.5" W x 1.875" H (12.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 4.8 cm)

Provenance: private Florida collection, USA; ex-private Boca Raton collection, Florida, USA, before 2000

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#162860

Two collection labels on base. Repair and restoration to shoulder. Expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely earthen encrustations.