1912.36: Lamp

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1912.36

Title

Lamp

Classification

Lighting Devices

Work Type

lighting device

Date

400-700

Period

Roman Imperial period, Late, to Early Byzantine

Culture

Roman

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/293289

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Terracotta

Technique

Mold-made

Dimensions

4.1 x 6.1 x 9.2 cm (1 5/8 x 2 3/8 x 3 5/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of the Misses Norton

Accession Year

1912

Object Number

1912.36

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

Mold made, pear-shaped lamp. Slight raised ring base with concentric circles at center. Three sets of channels frun from the base up the walls of the lamp's reservoir: one runs up to the handle and the other two form a triangular pattern under the nozzle. Flanking the channel running to the handle are two concentric circles. On either side of the ring base are thin crosses. Low rounded walls. Rounded rim decorated with squiggly lines and dots. Small, round, concave discus offset by a raised lip. Central filling hole flanked by either oak leaves or grape clusters. Nozzle extends from body in a rounded triangle. Triangular vertical handle with central groove.

Tan fabric. White accretions which substantially cover the lamp are either calcium deposits or degenerating slip. Slight charring at tip of nozzle.

Subjects and Contexts

• Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level