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Details

LOT 251355

Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Masks

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

6 1/8 in. (560 grams, 15.5 cm).

With an elongated body, long nozzle with a rounded tip; raised rim to filling hole with hinged lid bearing a mask with sockets to the eyes for silver inserts; handle curved and terminating in a female mask with hair dressed in tiers, eyes recessed to be inlaid with silver; broad nozzle with cup and raised rim; socket to underside for mounting on a stand.

Provenance

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

Published

Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 8th June 2026-14th September 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.

Literature

Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, no.357.

Footnotes

The lamp is crafted in a very fine style, probably in a classical form from the 1st or 2nd century. It belongs to a type known and widespread in the Mediterranean, with parallels in Paris, Madrid, the museums of Cadiz, Tarragona, and Aquileia.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 251355

Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Masks

Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)

Opening Bid
£500 (EUR 580; USD 675) +BP*

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