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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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Roman Bronze Platter Group
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising: one shallow circular platter, one oval-shaped with lobed handles decorated with a flowering plant with scrolling leaves; both cracked. 1.4 kg total, 29.5-45 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
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. 24.3 grams, 72 mm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Lamps 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. -
Roman Gemstone with Lion Face
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
The animal depicted incuse on domed face of a polished garnet cabochon; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.73 grams, 12 mm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
