Terracotta oil lamp

Unknown

3rd–mid-4th century CE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Loeschcke Type 8. Unpierced handle. Mold-made. Discus: impressed seven-pointed star or rosette with central dot within border of slanting strokes; two filling holes, one at top right, the other at bottom left. On shoulder: impressed vine tendrils and grapes. Short nozzle with large wick hole. Undefined, slightly concave base, inscribed in Greek letters: ΠOΛY. Intact, except for slight chip to right of nozzle. Some sooting on front edge of nozzle. Reddish buff clay.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–mid-4th century CE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76