46.1908: Roman Lamp Discus

Identification and Creation

Object Number

46.1908

Title

Roman Lamp Discus

Classification

Lighting Devices

Work Type

lighting device

Date

1-100

Period

Roman Imperial period, Early

Culture

Roman

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/293504

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Terracotta

Technique

Mold-made

Dimensions

8.3 cm (3 1/4 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

46.1908

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

Rim, discus, and very upper part of volute nozzle of mold made lamp. Narrow rim is almost horizontal and has two narrow ridges. Concave discus with faint set of ridges just below rim. At center, a water or sand bird stands, facing right, standing on its right leg with its left bent up at a ninety degree angle. The bird has a small head with a long, pointed beak, a substantial body, and long legs. Filling hole to lower left of bird. One tight volute from the nozzle remains, on the right side of the lamp. A very small air hole has been pierced between what would have been two volutes. Smoothing marks on the underside of the discus illustrate process of pressing clay into its mold.

Orange micaceous fabric with black particulate inclusions. Matte orange-red slip.

Subjects and Contexts

• Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level