Byzantine Period Terracotta Oil Lamp

Columnar stem with conical base extending to a square-section shank. 18.8 grams, 31 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Stamping in antiquity and in the Roman Empire was under strict regulations, and it was not limited to food and liquid containers. Bricks and tiles used in construction were impressed with the names of magistrates, workshops, estate owners from whom the material came, and the names of individual makers. Among the myriad Late Roman stamps, a great number were to mark bread or containers holding flour and other foods, as well as a variety of liquids such as wine, oil, fish and fruits preserved in sauces, medical ointments, and even water. It is interesting to note as the Jewish symbols here engraved are very stylised: as mentioned by various scholars, the Jewish representations of shofar and lulav on this category of stamps degenerated in quality in Late Antiquity, and this is why they are variously dated between the 4th and the 7th century.

Of Martinkova type with lobed outer edge, scooped sides and notched band at the inner edge; openwork circle and crescent motifs. 34.18 grams, 40 mm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a cruciform panel with slightly flared arms attached to a hinged suspension loop with barrel-shaped bale; incised facing figure to obverse with arms in orans pose, legend above 'ΟΑΓΗΟC ΑΛΚΔΗΝ' (saint ?). 28.2 grams, 83 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.