Roman oil lamp, Type Loeschcke IV

ITEM: Oil lamp, Type Loeschcke IV
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 20 mm x 68 mm x 112 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in the last decade in different antiques and auctions websites, Ex English private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1980

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 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

A Roman oil lamp was an essential household item used for illumination throughout the Roman Republic and Empire (circa 3rd century BCE – 5th century CE). These lamps were typically made of terracotta, though wealthier individuals also used bronze or other metals. Designed to burn olive oil, they had a central reservoir for fuel, a spout where a wick was placed, and often a handle or loop for carrying. Early Roman oil lamps were simple in design, but by the 1st century BCE, they became more refined, often created using molds that allowed for mass production. Their portability and efficiency made them a common feature in homes, temples, bathhouses, and even tombs, where they were left as offerings for the dead.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Roman oil lamps is their decorative elements, which could range from simple geometric patterns to intricate relief scenes. Many lamps featured mythological figures, gladiatorial combat, hunting scenes, deities, and erotic imagery, reflecting Roman tastes and cultural values. Some lamps also bore inscriptions, including makers' marks, religious symbols, or political slogans, demonstrating their role beyond mere illumination. Certain lamps were designed with multiple nozzles, allowing for more light, while others had Christian symbols such as the Chi-Rho or a fish, showing their adaptation in different religious contexts as the empire evolved.

Roman oil lamps were not only practical but also held symbolic and ritualistic importance. They were frequently used in domestic altars, temples, and burial sites, serving as a source of spiritual light. In funerary practices, they symbolized the eternal flame of the afterlife, ensuring that the deceased would have light in the next world.