Byzantine Bronze Oil Lamp & Lamp Stand
**Originally Listed At $1200**
Ancient Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 600 to 1000 CE. A cast-bronze oil lamp that sits atop a decorative stand with the feet shaped into lion paws. The original linked bronze chain for hanging the lamp is still attached within the holes of the suspension tabs. The lamp itself has a circular base, a wide body with a broad fill hole on the top, and a pair of wick spouts protruding from the sides. The bottom of the base is shaped like a six-petaled flower that is divided into three even sections, and the stem is accentuated with indented rings and a pentagonal neck. Size: 6.5" W x 10.625" H (16.5 cm x 27 cm)
Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, were most likely a kind of heirloom, and were also probably reserved for the richest households. Bronze lamps, which have been theorized to remain in a family for at least three generations because of their expense before being recast could also have additions added to them - like crosses or new lids - to suit changing styles. This particular type of lamp proved popular and several production centers for the style arose; ultimately they were distributed widely throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, reaching Asia Minor, Morocco, and even Central Europe.
A stylistically similar example, of a larger size and with a cruciform handle, hammered for GBP 6,250 ($8,193.91) at Christie's, London, South Kensington "Antiquities" auction (sale 6060, April 14, 2011, lot 299).
Provenance: private J. Hallen collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in December 2016; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151156
Condition Report: Losses to original lid of lamp as shown. Lamp chain disconnected in the center. Minor abrasions and nicks to lamp and stand, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, and softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits and wonderful mottled patina throughout.
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**Originally Listed At $1200**
Ancient Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 600 to 1000 CE. A cast-bronze oil lamp that sits atop a decorative stand with the feet shaped into lion paws. The original linked bronze chain for hanging the lamp is still attached within the holes of the suspension tabs. The lamp itself has a circular base, a wide body with a broad fill hole on the top, and a pair of wick spouts protruding from the sides. The bottom of the base is shaped like a six-petaled flower that is divided into three even sections, and the stem is accentuated with indented rings and a pentagonal neck. Size: 6.5" W x 10.625" H (16.5 cm x 27 cm)
Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, were most likely a kind of heirloom, and were also probably reserved for the richest households. Bronze lamps, which have been theorized to remain in a family for at least three generations because of their expense before being recast could also have additions added to them - like crosses or new lids - to suit changing styles. This particular type of lamp proved popular and several production centers for the style arose; ultimately they were distributed widely throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, reaching Asia Minor, Morocco, and even Central Europe.
A stylistically similar example, of a larger size and with a cruciform handle, hammered for GBP 6,250 ($8,193.91) at Christie's, London, South Kensington "Antiquities" auction (sale 6060, April 14, 2011, lot 299).
Provenance: private J. Hallen collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in December 2016; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151156
Condition Report: Losses to original lid of lamp as shown. Lamp chain disconnected in the center. Minor abrasions and nicks to lamp and stand, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, and softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits and wonderful mottled patina throughout.
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