Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Gods

Trumpet-shaped headplate with loop above and floral detailing to the bow, herringbone detailing to the shank and foot; part of the chord still present in the headplate. 6.82 grams, 33 mm



Found Gloucestershire, UK. Ex Wiltshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

The cameo carved in high relief with the head of a child, probably Eros, with a later adaptation of a ruff-like collar around the neck, set in an ornate gold mount decorated with white, red and black enamel, the shoulders pierced with side lugs, while the underside of the setting incorporates X-shaped ribs, fine striations enriching the sides of the projecting collet. 3.70 grams, 29.54 mm overall, 18.55 x 16.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired on the European art market. UK, private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13504-263463.

Eros was the god of love, and his image was an appropriate token to give to one's beloved, though he could be a symbol of much more, especially in Dionysiac context where he stood for the young Bacchus and was a symbol of salvation.

Comprising a sturdy iron handle with rounded end, conical shoulder with lead block, circular sidewall with a slot to the upper face; old collector's ticket: 'Unidentified metal object from beach at Reculver. B.M. say probably Roman'; cellophane sleeve applied. 167 grams, 13.6 cm



Found Reculver, Kent, UK, and elsewhere in the late 1950s. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by an old handwritten identification card written by Peter Clayton.