Ca. 400-500 AD. A moldmade red ware oil lamp, a remarkable example of the Hayes II A type. This lamp boasts a solid lug handle and a recessed tondo, adorned with an intricate geometric design of a segmented square superimposed on a diamond-shaped motif. The discus features two filling holes encircled by a ridge, which extends around the nozzle to form a wide channel. The rounded nozzle itself is fitted with a large wick hole for optimal functionality. The shoulder of this lamp is richly embellished with a pattern of curled lines and circular pellets, adding further to its aesthetic appeal. Oil lamps were an essential element of daily life in the Roman world, serving as a vital source of illumination during the hours of darkness. They were used in a wide range of settings, from private homes to public spaces such as temples and forums. The production of oil lamps was a significant industry, and the use of molds like this one allowed for the efficient creation of standardized designs. For a similar oil lamp, see The Getty Museum, Inventory Number 83.AQ.377.271.Size: L:135mm / W:85mm ; 155gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.