Romano-British Bronze Oil Lamp

Slender in profile with narrow base, loop handle to the shoulder, flared mouth; with the remains of an antique label to the base. 303 grams, 16 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

With incised foliage detail to the high arched bow and flat head plate with human face and radiating floral pattern engraved on both sides; catchplate and pin-loop to the reverse. 36.5 grams, 10.5 cm



Ex European collection, 1990s. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Accompanied by a dealer's catalogue information card.

The fibula seems to be provincial type, of Romano-Germanic inspiration. This particularly characteristic fibula shape of the Romano-Germanic army, worn probably by the Germanic mercenaries of the Roman army, appeared in the later 2nd and partly at the beginning of the 3rd century A.D., under a form of large bow brooches with various types of head plates or spiral sleeves.

Modelled as a slender man with thick hair and beard, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together at his back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 104 grams total, 51 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.