Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp

With sloping walls and a thin everted rim, the interior of the vessel engraved with a scene comprising four nimbate Evangelists around a central figure of beardless Christ, each holding a gospel in the right hand, the left hand raised to make the sign of blessing; the four Evangelists each depicted beneath an arch with a Corinthian column flanking, the body of the column decorated with fish-scale motifs. 418 grams, 29.2 cm

Fine condition.

Private German collection since the 1980s. Acquired on the German art market in 2001. Property of a gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.10940-181731.

This vessel belongs to a well-known type of rich liturgical objects, likely produced in the workshops of the Imperial capital, Constantinople, although the style used to present Christ and the Evangelists in this artwork points to an important provincial craftsman, certainly influenced by Islamic and Persian iconography. Patens and chalices were the essential containers for the bread and wine of the Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) in Byzantium.

Comprising two beehive-shaped, one oblate, two sub-conical, and three domed whorls; all but one with carved ring-and-dot and line motifs. 30 grams total, 17-23 mm



UK private collection. Acquired from Redhouse Antiques Centre, York, 2009. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

With a substantial keeled hoop with four panels of zig-zag motifs; triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.81 grams, 34.44 mm overall, 21.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.