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Lamp with menorah
Byzantine, Cyprus
Early Byzantine period
4th–early 5th century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Length: 7.6 cm (3 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by subscription
Accession Number72.249
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Lighting devices
DescriptionA mold-made oil lamp with a large, concave discus and narrow sloping rim leading to a short, tapering nozzle. Stump handle with slightly pinched sides. It has two fill holes in its center and one larger wick hole in the nozzle. Flanked by the fill holes is a seven branched menorah in relief, surrounded by encircling chevrons and floral motifs. The handle at the rear of the lamp has broken off and the surface surrounding the wick hole shows evidence for burning.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with General Luigi Palma di Cesnola (from Cyprus); May 16, 1872: purchased by MFA from General Luigi Palma di Cesnola for
$ 1,704.39 (this figure is the total price for MFA 72.1-72.473 and 72.4871-72.4900)
$ 1,704.39 (this figure is the total price for MFA 72.1-72.473 and 72.4871-72.4900)