Description
A finely molded Roman terracotta oil lamp distinguished by a lively relief depiction of a rabbit or hare occupying the central discus. The animal is shown in profile, crouching or moving forward, with its characteristic long ears prominently raised and its body modeled with considerable attention to the head, eye, limbs, and fur.
The animal is surrounded by multiple concentric molded rings, which frame the central scene and give the lamp a strongly ordered composition. A small filling hole is positioned beneath the animal, while the projecting nozzle terminates in the circular wick opening. Around the broad shoulder runs a continuous decorative border of repeating molded motifs.
Representations of hares and rabbits were popular in Roman art, appearing on mosaics, pottery, lamps, and other objects. The hare in particular was associated with the countryside, hunting, abundance, and fertility, while also appearing simply as an appealing and familiar subject drawn from the natural world. Animal imagery was especially popular on Roman mold-made lamps, whose discus provided an ideal field for small narrative and decorative scenes.
The quality of the relief is particularly noteworthy. The animal is not treated merely as a schematic symbol: the long ears, prominent eye, muzzle, forelegs and textured body remain readily recognizable, giving the composition considerable character despite its small scale.
The lamp is manufactured from warm orange terracotta and retains a remarkably clear impression of its molded decoration. The concentric borders, shoulder ornament and central animal remain well defined, with surface wear and minor deposits consistent with age.
REFERENCE #
OL-RM-1047
CIVILIZATION
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century A.D.
CONDITION
Very good overall condition, with expected surface wear and minor deposits. The principal molded decoration is exceptionally clear, and both the filling hole and wick opening are preserved.
PRICE
$950
PROVENANCE
Found in Israel
