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LOT 0832
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (38 grams, 67 mm).
Hollow-formed, no handle, but the rear bulging tubular part of the basin may have served as such; body in the shape of a comic theater mask with large open mouth; filling-hole on forehead, knit eyebrows with jolly expression and large open mouth functioning as a wick-hole; crown of foliage and fruits; flat raised oval base.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Mr W.A. Stewart, Director of School of Arts and Crafts, Cairo, 1919-1929.
Acquired Christie's, London, Antiquities, Works of Art and Important Renaissance Bronzes, Plaquettes and Limoges Enamels, 8 July 1981, no.126 (part).
From a private Wiltshire, UK, collection.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue page.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, p.435 and 440, nos.594, 601-603, for similar specimens.
FootnotesLamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens, since the 2nd century B.C. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the 1st and 2nd 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 0832
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
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Roman or Gandharan Decorated Silver Aryballos
Circa late 1st century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Globular in profile with basal ring, punched band of teardrops to the shoulder, trumpet-shaped neck with everted and rolled rim. 46 grams, 66 mm
Acquired from a private UK collection prior to 1979. Ex Julian Sherrier collection, a leading figure in Gandharan art. with Christie's, New York, sale 2337, 14th September 2010, no.40 (part). Accompanied by the original Christie's lot ticket. -
Roman Gold Ring with Vessel Gemstone
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
With facetted hoop, ellipsoid cell to the bezel with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio image of a kantharos; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.88 grams, 24.02 mm overall, 19.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)
From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980.
From the middle of the 3rd century AD, gem production in the Roman Empire declined rapidly. At the same time the first Christian motifs began to be visible on the rings. -
Roman Glass Handled Jar
4th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
With dimpled base, bulbous body with opposed dimples to the sidewall, applied flange to the neck, applied trails forming lateral handles. 39.4 grams, 78 mm wide
From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These biconical jars with opposed handles, rounded lips and overhanging tubular flanges, are typical of the late Roman period, There are Syro-Palestinian types, with similar examples having been found in Beit Fajjar, West Bank, Palestine.
