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LOT 0808
Roman Buffware Oil Lamp with Seahorse
CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (57 grams, 76 mm).
Mould made with a solid round unpierced handle, broad horizontal shoulder separated from the discus by a shallow circular groove; upper filling-hole over the central part of the discus decorated by a seahorse leaping to the left, surrounded by volutes; slightly raised rounded nozzle, base-ring marked with two circular grooves. [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.
Cf. Lighfoot, C.S., The Cesnola collection of Cypriot Art - Terracotta Oil Lamps, cat.221, p.173, for the type.
FootnotesThe depiction of various animals is common on Roman lamps, appearing just as frequently as they do elsewhere in Roman art. Animals formed part of the decorative and symbolic schemes on monumental and funerary sculpture, frescoes and mosaics. The hippocampus symbolised water, power, bravery, and helpfulness. It was also defined as a symbol of hope, strength, and agility because of its ability to help people. This popular sea creature was connected with imagination and creativity and also associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon.
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:
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Roman Marble Head of Mithras Wearing a Phrygian Cap
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Carved in the round, the god with long wavy locks escaping from beneath his pointed Phrygian cap; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 24.25 kg total, 41.5 cm 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 Terracotta Oil Lamp with Floral Motif
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Grooved lug handle to rear, discus with two filling holes and a central rosette motif, foliate border to the shoulder; low basal ring and maker's mark 'E'. 173 grams, 11.5 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
Many lamps of this category (late lamps of Asia Minor types, sometimes just called 'late Ephesian lamps' but diffused in all of the Roman Levant) were discovered in the Seven Sleepers Cemetery at Ephesus. These lamp types have either a circular or an oval elongated body that is sharply carinated, with protruding nozzle. The shoulders are outward sloping and offer a variety of characteristic decorations in both relief and sunken patterns: rows of globules, slanted radiating grooves, ovolos, vine-tendrils and grapes, tongues or petals, and concentric rings. -
Roman to Medieval Artefact Group
1st-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Including an ivy-leaf pendant, belt buckles, crotal bell, spearhead-finial and other items 1.12 kg total, 2.1-15 cm
From a Surrey collection. Property of a Scottish collector, acquired in 2013.
