Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A collection of sixteen terracotta oil lamps, each wheel-made and mold-formed, representing the diversity of Roman domestic lighting. Most of the examples feature abstract, vegetal, floral, and geometric designs worked into their discus and shoulders, demonstrating the wide aesthetic vocabulary common to Roman ceramic workshops. Among them, one lamp is particularly notable for its figural imagery: it depicts a standing hunter with a dog pursuing a rabbit, a scene reflecting themes of sport and daily life in the Roman world. The lamps exhibit varying hues of buff, red, and orange clay, some with traces of burning and encrustation around their nozzles, evidence of ancient use. Their forms, with central filling holes and single nozzles, align with the utilitarian yet symbolically rich role of lamps in Roman households, sanctuaries, and tombs. Size of largest: 4.1" L x 2.8" W x 1.5" H (10.4 cm x 7.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

These petite, portable vessels served not only as sources of light but also as vehicles for artistic and cultural expression. Together, this group presents an engaging cross-section of Roman lamp production, with motifs ranging from the decorative to the narrative, and offers a tangible link to the daily rhythms of life in antiquity.

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#197779

  • Condition: One is missing central tondo. All have age-expected surface wear and weathering with nicks, chips, and abrasions; some with small losses. Scattered earthen deposit throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000