Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An elegant miniature cast bronze oil lamp with a shell-shaped lid on a still-functional hinge and a large clover-shaped handle projecting from the back. A ring handle loops below this, forming a beautiful side profile. A delicate spout with a wide mouth extends from the other side. The lamp sits atop a modern stand designed to look ancient. Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, were probably a kind of heirloom, and were also probably reserved for the richest households. Bronze lamps, which have been theorized to remain in a family for at least three generations because of their expense before being recast could also have additions added to them - like crosses or new lids - to suit changing styles. Size: 1.1" L x 3.55" W x 2.1" H (2.8 cm x 9 cm x 5.3 cm); 5.85" H (14.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137062

Mottled brown and very dark green patina on the surface of the lamp. Lid hinge is still functional! Lamp is ancient and stand is modern.