Roman Gypsum Lamp Mould with Lion

4th-5th century AD. A gypsum lamp mould half showing a recumbent lion, surrounded by alternating palm flowers and quatrefoils. See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.493, p.353, for the type. 900 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. The mould was used for Atlante type X (Hayes type II), belonging to the so-called Christian lamps in Terra Sigillata Africana (TSA"). This typology is characterised by a fine clay, glossy light orange slip and a carefully executed decoration. Here the motif of the lion (reflecting Biblical topics such as Daniel in the lion's cave or the myth of the meek lion) is united with foliage motifs characteristic of the Early Christian iconography. [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Fine condition.