ITEM: Oil lamp
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman, Holy Land
PERIOD: 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 60 mm x 72 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired from Toulouse and Montpellier auction houses and antique dealers 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.

Between the 3rd and 5th centuries, the Holy Land, encompassing modern-day Israel, Palestine, and parts of Jordan and Lebanon, experienced significant religious and cultural developments, particularly with the spread of Christianity. Oil lamps from this period provide valuable insights into the religious practices and iconography of the time. Holy Land lamps from this era often feature a blend of pagan, Jewish, and Christian symbols, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the region.

One characteristic of Holy Land lamps from the 3rd to 5th centuries is the incorporation of Christian motifs alongside traditional Greco-Roman and Jewish symbols. These lamps frequently depict Christian symbols such as the Chi-Rho monogram, the fish symbol (ichthys), crosses, and biblical scenes, reflecting the growing influence of Christianity in the region. Additionally, lamps from this period may also feature Jewish symbols like the menorah, palm branches, and shofars, highlighting the continuation of Jewish religious traditions alongside the rise of Christianity.

The use of Holy Land lamps during this period extended beyond mere illumination. They were used in various religious ceremonies, including Christian liturgical practices and Jewish rituals. In addition to domestic use, these lamps were also employed in churches, synagogues, and other places of worship. Furthermore, the widespread use of oil lamps in funerary contexts, such as burial chambers and catacombs, suggests their role in funerary rites and beliefs about the afterlife.

Good condition

2.4 x 6 x 7.2 cm