**First Time At Auction**

Roman, Holy Land, the Levant, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A wonderful ensemble of ten mold-made pottery oil lamps all with annular fill holes and wick spouts. Three of these ancient vessels boast discoid forms. One of which is painted light orange and brown with a huge fill hole, and a raised, annular aperture at its center. Another is formed from grey clay with a petite fill hole and a lovely design of a vase in a central tondo surrounded by a swirling, abstract motif. The last of the three features a concave foot, a recessed fill hole, a lengthy spout, and a raised embellishment on its side with a horizontal drill hole for suspension. A fourth oil lamp exhibits a triangular form with a tab-like handle, a geometric design, and four spouts. Two more vessels are ovoid shaped with one showing a large fill hole and a bas relief abstract decoration, while the other displays a petite fill hole and a vegetal motif. Size of largest: 4.5" L x 3.625" W x 1" H (11.4 cm x 9.2 cm x 2.5 cm); 4.375" H (11.1 cm) on included custom stand.

The last four all have extended spouts and annular bases. One showcases a flared spout, a petite handle, a "V" or "A" on its base, and is adorned by a grapevine relief. Another boasts a half-circle body with a recessed fill hole surrounded by incised, starburst striations. Formed from burgundy-red clay, the ninth vessel displays a large, vegetal-motif handle and a projecting point on its side for it to be easily held. The last presents a raised handle and a lovely abstract design of starburst striations, undulating lines, and two target-motifs.

Provenance: private collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired in 2002; ex-Venus Gallery, Israel

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#161821

Nine have custom Lucite stands. Largest has spout restored from new clay with restoration to central aperture and some areas of periphery. "12" inscribed on base of discoid lamp with vessel motif. Restoration to side of discoid lamp with long spout. Possible restoration to spouts of triangular lamp. Grey ovoid lamp missing handle. One with flared spout repaired from several pieces with break lines visible. All have expected surface wear with nicks/chips, abrasions, and softening of detail commensurate with age. Otherwise, all are very nice with lovely earthen deposits throughout.