Roman Empire, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A fine mold-made red slipware terracotta vessel which has a ovular base with an incised ring around it as well as a planta pedis (maker's mark) rendered indistinguishable by heavy built-up encrustations. This lamp also features rounded shoulders, a stylized neck channel terminating in a large wick spout, and a small fill hole. The recessed tondo displays a majestic griffin replete with a horned head, flowing wings, clawed feet, and a flagellate tail. 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: 3.75" L x 2.5" W x 1" H (9.5 cm x 6.4 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Schroeder collection, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, acquired before 1970

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#123928

Surface wear commensurate with age and use, minor losses to shoulder, pigmentation fading to slip cover, heavy encrustations to shoulders, base, and maker's mark, and earthen and mineral deposits throughout.