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Identification and Creation

Object Number
43.1908
Title
Lamp with Sistrum
Classification
Lighting Devices
Work Type
lighting device
Date
50-100
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/293500

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Mold-made
Dimensions
11.5 × 7 cm (4 1/2 × 2 3/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Lent by the Misses Katherine B. and Mary D. Upham, March 14, 1908.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Loan from Estate of Donald Upham and Mrs. R. U. Hunter
Object Number
43.1908
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Mold made lamp with slightly raised, thick ring base and flat center. Rounded, flaring walls form underside of reservoir. Obvious join marks between underside and rim. Rim slopes very subtly inward and is separated from discus by two narrow grooves. Concave discus is decorated with a sistrum. Small filling hole at lower left of discus. Wide volute nozzle, diamond-shaped at end. Small air hole between volutes at edge of rim. Volutes extend downward to create darts in relief on the sides of the nozzle. Vertical pierced handle with two incised grooves.

Buff-orange fabric. Slip ranges from darkish orange to dark brown, is mottled along underside of reservoir, and has a very dull lustre. Surface is not smooth, either because of granular inclusions in the clay or because of bubbles or pits in the mold.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu