A Herodian Clay Oil Lamp, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE

from the time of Jesus, with a squat round body, a flat rim surrounded by an outside edge, a flared conical nozzle decorated with two circles above a dotted line.

For examples of factory lamps, see: Malloy, catalogue 61, #1352, May 9, 2001 (Vibianus); Malloy, catalogue 10, #158, October 31, 1977; Malloy catalogue 65, #1383 (Vibanius); Malloy catalogue 59, #1440, January 1, 2001.

Dimensions: Length: 3 1/2 (8.9 cm), Width: 2 5/8 inches (6.6 cm)

Condition: With two minor fractures along the top, but overall intact and in good condition.

Provenance: Private Maryland collection, acquired from the Hurst Gallery, Cambridge MA, 1997, lot #73