Roman Lamp Discus
1-100
Description
Rim, discus, and very upper part of volute nozzle of mold made lamp. Narrow rim is almost horizontal and has two narrow ridges. Concave discus with faint set of ridges just below rim. At center, a water or sand bird stands, facing right, standing on its right leg with its left bent up at a ninety degree angle. The bird has a small head with a long, pointed beak, a substantial body, and long legs. Filling hole to lower left of bird. One tight volute from the nozzle remains, on the right side of the lamp. A very small air hole has been pierced between what would have been two volutes. Smoothing marks on the underside of the discus illustrate process of pressing clay into its mold. Orange micaceous fabric with black particulate inclusions. Matte orange-red slip.
Dimensions
8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.)
Provenance
Lent by the Misses Katherine B. and Mary D. Upham, March 14, 1908.
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