Lot 50B
Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Roman to Byzantine periods, ca. 2nd to 7th century CE. A varied and characterful group of 19 mold-made pottery oil lamps from the Holy Land, spanning several centuries of Roman and Byzantine rule. Each lamp is wheel-finished or mold-cast in buff to reddish-brown clay, displaying an array of spout shapes, nozzle styles, and molded motifs. Many feature central fill holes surrounded by recessed bowls, short rounded or pointed spouts, and delicate ribbed or geometric decoration. Several lamps bear stylized vegetal patterns, radiating palmettes, rosettes, or cross-like forms, while others include inscriptions or abstract scrolling motifs. Two standout examples exhibit anthropomorphic volutes in the form of animal or human faces - likely influenced by Samaritan or Judaean iconographic trends. Size of largest (zoomorphic handle): 4.7" L x 2.7" W x 2" H (11.9 cm x 6.9 cm x 5.1 cm)
The group reflects evolving lamp typologies of the Eastern Roman provinces, serving both practical and ritual uses in domestic, funerary, and liturgical contexts. Soot traces on many spouts attest to their prolonged use. These compact terracotta vessels once illuminated private homes, synagogues, and early churches across ancient Judea and surrounding regions. A visually compelling and richly textured assemblage for collectors of ancient ceramics and biblical antiquities.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#195564
- Condition: Chipping and losses to some handles. Surface wear with nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, but, otherwise, most are intact and all have nice remaining decoration and scattered earthen deposits.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |