Roman factory oil lamp depicting Myrtle wreath with makers mark, Type Bussière D II 1

ITEM: Factory oil lamp depicting Myrtle wreath with makers mark, Type Bussière D II 1
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 45 mm x 77 mm x 113 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman oil lamps were essential household items that played a significant role in daily life throughout the Roman Empire. These lamps, typically made of clay or bronze, provided illumination after sunset and were used for both practical and symbolic purposes. Oil lamps consisted of a shallow dish or reservoir for holding oil, a spout for pouring oil, and a wick made of linen or another fibrous material. The wick would absorb the oil, which was typically olive oil, and when lit, it would produce a steady flame, illuminating the surrounding area.

Beyond their practical function, Roman oil lamps also held symbolic significance in religious and funerary contexts. Oil lamps were often used in religious rituals and ceremonies, where they served as offerings to gods and goddesses or as symbols of spiritual enlightenment and divine presence. In funerary contexts, oil lamps were frequently placed in tombs and burial chambers to provide light for the deceased in the afterlife. Some oil lamps were decorated with motifs and symbols associated with death, rebirth, and the passage to the underworld, reflecting Roman beliefs about the continuity of the soul beyond death.

Roman oil lamps also served as important artifacts for archaeologists and historians, providing valuable insights into ancient Roman daily life, technology, and material culture. The design and decoration of oil lamps varied widely across different regions and time periods, reflecting local preferences and artistic styles.