Byzantine Empire, ca. 600 to 1000 CE. This is a cast bronze oil lamp that sits atop a decorative stand with the feet shaped into animal paws. The original linked bronze chain for hanging the lamp is still attached. The lamp itself has a wide, round, mouth and twin spouts. We've been joking around the office that it looks like a genie's lamp -- though none of us have been lucky enough to be granted any wishes. Some scholars have noted that bronze lamps, with their increased cost over pottery lamps, were probably a kind of heirloom, and were also probably reserved for the richest households. Bronze lamps, which have been theorized to remain in a family for at least three generations because of their expense before being recast could also have additions added to them -- like crosses or new lids -- to suit changing styles. This particular type of lamp proved popular and several production centers for the style arose; ultimately they were distributed widely throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, reaching Asia Minor, Morocco, and even Central Europe. Size: 6.6" W x 10.2" H (16.8 cm x 25.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California collection

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