71. Roman Oil Lamp

'Serpent Attacking a Dolphin'

A fine roman oil lamp, the tondo decorated with a serpent attacking a dolphin. An unusual and orginal depiction. Circa 2nd Century A.D.

Made using a two-part mould, wet clay was pressed into each half of the mould and the two halves joined together. They were then removed from their moulds while still soft, and the oil-hole and wick-holes pierced by hand.

Condition: Very good. Areas of wear to the brown slip.

Dimensions: 10.6cm x 7.4cm.

Provenance: Ex. private collection, UK. *Makers stamp and old collection label on base.

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Roman Oil Lamps

Roman oil lamps were made from fired clay, but are also found in bronze and even iron. However, it was the clay lamps, cheap to produce, that became the mainstay of everyday lighting in the Roman world. They were made using a two-part mould. Wet clay was pressed into each half of the mould and the two halves joined together. They were removed from their moulds while still soft, and the oil-hole and wick-holes pierced by hand. Finally, the lamp was fired in a kiln.

Roman oil lamps are one of the most diverse and popular Roman antiquities for sale to collectors.