Ancient Herodian Pottery Oil Lamp

Ancient Herodian Pottery Oil Lamp Judaea, circa late 1st century BCE–1st century CE A finely preserved Herodian pottery oil lamp with a rounded reservoir, a large central filling opening framed by a raised circular rim, and a projecting nozzle with neatly pared sides. The undecorated body emphasizes its balanced proportions, while warm buff-orange tones and scattered pale surface deposits lend character to the terracotta. An evocative example of domestic lighting in ancient Judaea, this compact lamp held oil in its reservoir, feeding a wick through the opening at the nozzle. Its restrained form gives this everyday object an enduring sculptural appeal. Condition: Choice condition, with light surface wear and minor edge abrasions. Dimensions: 3½ inches long (8.9 cm). Provenance: Ex Sami Taha collection, Israel; exported from Israel with export approval.