Loading, please wait...
LOT 0944
Roman Buffware Oil Lamp with Gladiator
2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (97 grams, 10.5 cm).
Mould made, solid round handle with two circles, flat shoulder with a shallow row of ovolo motifs, separated from the discus by two shallow circular grooves; side central filling-hole and small air hole on the lower field of discus, decorated with a gladiator raising his right hand; heart-shaped nozzle, base-ring marked by radiating lines. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, nos.360 and ff., p.254ff., especially nos.371-372.
FootnotesThe lamp seems to belong to the Bussiere form DX1, maybe variant a and c. This form groups together lamps with a plain shoulder and a heart-shaped nozzle. In an early variant, D IX 1, the upper curves of the ‘heart’ are nearly on a horizontal level. This is the case for all the African and Italic examples in the Getty collection. Scenes of circus and gladiators are very popular.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze Celtic Bound Captive Statuette
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Modelled as a slender man with thick hair and beard, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together at his back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 104 grams total, 51 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Coral Set Gold Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Conical sheet-gold cap with inset coral rod. 0.61 grams, 22 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Roman Bronze Ladle with Loop Handle
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
With deep bowl, integral square-section handle and loop finial. 66 grams, 23 cm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
This type of ladle was used for libations of wine to the gods during sacrifices. The shape of the simpulum was that of a small cup, with a single elongated handle. The material of which it was made varied according to the wealth of the altar; there were specimens in silver; some were of brass and others made of wood or terracotta. This simpulum or simpuvium is often found depicted on Roman medals or coins, like a denarius of Augustus (2 B.C.-2 A.D.).
