Roman, likely central Italy, Imperial Period, late Flavian to early Antonine, ca. 90 to 140 CE. Signed "GABINIA" on underside of base. A remarkable pottery oil lamp of volute form presenting a discoid body, a loop handle, a projecting spout, and a rounded bottom, all sitting upon a planar base. A recessed central tondo at the top features a petite fill hole below a pair of theatre masks. The tondo is encompassed by a tongue motif border as a pair of volutes flank the vessel's brief neck. The base of the lamp is stamped with the name "GABINIA," referring to a Roman potter or pottery workshop most likely in central Italy that was active during the late Flavian to early Antonine periods. Size: 4.4" L x 2.7" W x 1.8" H (11.2 cm x 6.9 cm x 4.6 cm)

As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing an example pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art as well as utilitarian objects speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre.

Other lamps stamped "GABINIA" can be found in the British Museum, 1756,0101.643 and the J. Paul Getty Museum, 83.AQ.377.141 and 83.AQ.377.111.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, New York, USA; ex-Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, June 2015; ex-V.H. collection, Vienna, Austria, acquired in 1970

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#171575

Minor perforation on left side of shoulder near handle. Expected surface wear with nicks, scratches, and abrasions to areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail. Signed "GABINIA" on underside of base.