Roman Empire, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A delicate umber-hued and mold-made pottery oil-burning vessel displaying a flat and stable base with an illegible planta pedis (maker's mark), steep side walls, angled ovolo-variant shoulders with a repeating curvilinear motif, a pierced loop handle with three incised lines, a recessed tondo with a minute vent hole and fill hole, and a small rounded wick spout protruding from the front. The tondo displays the angered visage of Medusa, the wrathful snake-haired monster from ancient Greek mythology, with a furrowed brow, puffy cheeks, wide nostrils, and worn locks of serpentine hair. The portrayal of Medusa here is an atypical, but not unheard of, choice of deity to worship for safety and guidance. Lucite display not included. Size: 3.5" L x 2.625" W x 2" H (8.9 cm x 6.7 cm x 5.1 cm).

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

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#124011

Surface wear commensurate with age, minor char marks to wick spout, minor losses to handle, shoulders, and fill hole, and fading to details throughout. Minor mineral deposits visible on exterior surface.