Roman / Byzantine Leaded Bronze Lamp + Lamp Stand

**Originally Listed At $2800**

Late Roman or early Byzantine Empire, ca. 500 to 800 CE. A cast bronze oil lamp that sits atop a decorative tripod stand. The lamp itself is the quintessential magic lamp, with a rounded body and elongated spout. A small hinged lid in the form of a seashell sits atop the bowl. The handle has a large cross rising from it. The lamp attaches to the stand via a spike that projects from its top; this spike fits neatly into a socket in the base of the lamp. The tripod stand has a rounded disc below the lamp, made for catching oil. It stands on a rounded base with three short, hoof-like legs projecting from its sides and a draped bronze form. Size: 6.2" W x 15" H (15.7 cm x 38.1 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.

Provenance: ex-Janet Zakos collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s

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#145979
Condition Report: Pale, mottled grey and green patina on both lamp and stand. Very nice preservation of form and details. Lamp and stand were manufactured separately but appear contemporaneous.