Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Material Culture Byzantine Slipper Lamp and Figural Terracotta Vessel, Late Antique Period

2nd century AD Judea Lamp

Non-Paper Memorabilia

Two small ceramic objects dating from the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds, including a Byzantine-period “slipper” lamp and a reddish terracotta vessel with a stylized animal handle. The pair documents two distinct approaches to utilitarian ceramic production: a compact lamp made for illumination and a covered vessel incorporating figural decoration into its handle. The second object is of uncertain Near Eastern origin and has been broadly attributed to the period between the 3rd century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D.; that dating remains provisional.

The Byzantine “slipper” lamp is formed in coarse pink-tan ware and retains heavy earthen patination. Its elongated body follows the compact slipper-shaped profile associated with portable ceramic lamps of the period. The second object, in reddish terracotta, has an incised-decorated lid surmounted by an unusual figural handle in the form of a stylized boar. The animal straddles the upper portion of the lid and is modeled with small, prominent eyes, giving the handle a distinctly sculptural character. Lengths approximately 3 to 3¾ inches.

The objects preserve evidence of small-scale ceramic manufacture in which practical forms were combined with regional decorative conventions and animal imagery. Surface accretions and earthen patinas remain visible, particularly on the lamp. Condition otherwise not stated in the supplied description. A compact grouping of ancient ceramic forms distinguished by the contrast between a Byzantine lighting vessel and a figural terracotta object with a modeled boar handle.

Item #13293

Price: $250.00