Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A fine mold-formed pottery oil lamp with a circular base featuring an illegible planta pedis and a raised 'X,' gradually-expanding walls, a rounded shoulder, a pierced tab handle, a recessed tondo surrounded by raised concentric circles, a small fill hole, and a large semicircular wick spout. Within the tondo is a raised image of a scorpion with eight legs, a segmented exoskeletal body, extended front pincers, and a curling tail. The image of a scorpion was long regarded as a protective symbol believed to cure poisoning. Furthermore, as a symbol of the Zodiac Scorpio sign, it was also associated with water. A fine example of utilitarian Roman artistry! Size: 2.8" W x 1.4" H (7.1 cm x 3.6 cm).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#144408

  • Condition: Wick spout repaired from a few pieces with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor nicks and abrasions to handle, base, body, and wick spout, with fading to some finer details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label adhered to base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000