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LOT 0065
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (24.3 grams, 72 mm).
Hollow-formed with long nozzle extending from the fleshy mouth, crown of foliage; smaller nozzle and filler-hole to the brow; raised ring to the base; a theatre mask or face of Silenus.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, p.435 and 440, nos.594, 602-603, for similar specimens.
FootnotesLamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the first and second centuries A.D. The Silenus face types were linked to the Bacchic cult. The crown of leaves and fruit across the forehead alludes to Bacchus or one of his followers.
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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LOT 0065
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
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Roman Bone Teetotum
2nd-4th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £260
Composed of a hexagonal drum-shaped body, each panel with numerals in recessed circular form: 1; 6; 2;4; 3;5; baluster-shaped grip to one face and a projecting knop to the other; the grip unscrews to reveal a hollow body. 13.4 grams, 36 mm
From the collection of an UK gentleman formed in the 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market. -
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Roman Bronze Dolphin Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Composed of dolphins worked in a variety of styles with stylised detailing; together with a scaled fish shooting water from its mouth and a dolphin holding a globe in its mouth. 239 grams total, 33-68 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Iron Latch Key
1st-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
The broad tapering stem with rounded terminal and circular bow, the rectangular bit with three slender teeth. 22.2 grams, 66 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
