Byzantine Bronze Oil Lamp with Cross

5th-6th century AD. A bronze lamp with cross handle, the handle of the lamp consisting of a Latin cross, with round upper arms, the hemispherical nozzle of the lamp tapering concavely inwards to the round burning opening, lid absent. Cf. Zahlhaas-Wamser, G.L., Rom und Byzanz Archäologische Kostbarkeiten aus Bayern, München, 1998, pp.82ff, for similar items, especially n.74. 149 grams, 10cm (4"). From a private collection formed in the Netherlands; previously in a European collection formed prior to 1980. These kind of lamps were intended to be placed on the thorn of a tall candelabra, what is evident from the original opening (today sealed) which existed on the underside of its foot ring. On the inside of this opening there was a bulb that tapered conically upwards like the mandrel, preventing the oil from running out. The handle and lid were cast separately and then pushed into the back of the lamp’s body or connected to it by an iron splint.
Condition Report: Fine condition.