Roman Empire, Carthage, North Africa, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. As the Christian religion began to take hold and spread throughout the Roman Empire, lamps such as these became more common and politically acceptable. Large lamp with deep red slip, long nozzle, impressed chevrons on shoulder and Chi Rho symbol between two fill holes. Chi Rho is one of the earliest Christian symbols, being a monogram of the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek. Size: 5-1/4"L x 2-1/8"L.

Provenance: Ex-private H. Berk collection, Chicago, IL.

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#100133

Intact. Mold used to make this was a bit worn resulting in a soft Chi Rho, else quite excellent.