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Early Byzantine lamp with
Christian good evening formula written on the shoulder.
The circular Greek inscription reads ΦΟC KY ΦΕΝΙ ΚΑΛΙ ΕCΠΕΡΑ ΠΑ meaning: The
light of the Lord shines – Good evening to all!
Fine almond shaped lamp made of reddish clay. The filling and the wick hole
surrounded by a pronounced rim. The channel to the nozzle with a sinuous
ornament. Unpierced lug handle at rear. The base with a concentric circle and a
star at center.
Almond shaped oil lamps are known from the Levant. The present example
originates from Palestine.
From the same mold, although better preserved, as lamp type A 5.2 (p. 98, fig.
3:54) in: Stanislao Loffreda. Lucerne bizantine in Terra Santa con iscrizioni in
greco. Jerusalem 1989.
Intact and fine.
L. 8.4 cm (3.3 in), W. 7 cm (2.8 in)
Ex French private collection, acquired at Hôtel Drouot, Paris.
870 USD |
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