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LOT 1075
Roman Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (40 grams, 79 mm).
Piriform in plan with volute nozzle, band of impressed pellets to the shoulder. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired at a London antiques fair in the 1990s.
From the private collection of a Devon, UK, lady.
Cf. Koutoussaki, L., Lampes d'Argos, Les Lampes en terre cuite découvertes dans l'Agora et les thermes, campagne de fouilles 1972-1991, Fribourg, 2008, nos.485, 494, for similar but not identical types.
FootnotesSome lamps, with or without a central handle, with one or more nozzles, either opposed or contiguous, could be of Corinthian production, representing a fine example of remarkable quality and finesse. On the other hand, some examples can be considered a local/regional production in the Eastern Roman Empire.
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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Late Roman Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and nozzle, raised linear decoration and low basal ring. 47.1 grams, 81 mm
Acquired from Ancient Art Shop, Berkshire, UK. From the collection of a Nottingham, UK, collector, established from the early 2000s. Accompanied by the original Ancient Art Shop certificate of authenticity. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Gold Lunar Pendant with Gems
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £273
Comprising a lozenge-section crescentic body with applied circular cell finials, one with a green glass cabochon, applied ribbed suspension loop with a garnet cabochon. 1.98 grams, 23.71 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
