Miniature Factory Lamp (Roman). Form: Loeschke IXa. Terracotta lamps of this type were made through the employment of stone, wood or terracotta moulds. Normally two moulds were required: a top mould for the top part of the lamp and a bottom mould for the bottom part of the lamp. Clay would be pressed into these moulds forming the shape which also included a nozzle or spout (in some cases more than one) to accomodate the wick and also a filling hole for the oil that would be later poured into the main reservoir of the vessel. Decorative details would have also been added at this point since many of the moulds demonstrated an array of pre-designed motiffs on them. Once the clay was pushed into the mould, the mirror image of the motif would be transferred onto the maliable clay. Once the desired shaped had been obtained, the clay would have been removed from the moulds and the two segments were joined together by the potter who would smooth out any visible joining lines before baking in a kiln. At times the potter would stamp or scratch a maker's mark on the bottom area of the base before they were fired. Lamps were mass produced in the Classical and later periods and the manufacturing techniques allowed for their relatively easy production in specialist pottery workshops. They were initially made in factories in Northern Italy and Southern Gaul between the 1st century and 3rd centuries AD, and were exported to all Roman provinces. The vast majority have been stamped to identify the manufacturer.

This lamp was found in the Minories area of London, England, discovered during an excavation of the city of London in 1933. It belongs to a collection of Roman-British antiquities selected to illustrate the life of the people who lived on the present site of London from the Roman occupation to the 18th century (SB). It was a commemorative gift for Sydney's 150th anniversary (LC). Initially made in factories in Northern Italy and Southern Gaul between 1st century and 3rd centuries AD. They were exported to all Roman provinces. The vast majority have been stamped to identify the manufacturer.

Catalogued by Kate da Costa 1999, entered 3 August 2001.

Oil lamp, ceramic, maker unknown, London, England, 1st-2nd century CE

Miniature ceramic factory oil lamp, of Roman-British origin. The oil lamp is made from medium coarse levigation with small stones and has a round body with small asymmetrically placed lugs on the right and left sides. It features a high raised ring around a flat, plain discus with a central filling hole, and a high plain loop handle. The lamp also features a straight nozzle with a central groove and circular wick hole. The base of the lamp has a potter's mark in relief that is illegible. The entire lamp is covered in a thick glossy slip. The nozzle and left side of the lamp are discoloured from use.

NB: Colour from handle base according to Munsell colour system: around 5YR4/4-6

Made: Ancient Roman Empire; 50 - 300


Used: London, England

Potter's mark on base, in relief, four to five thick blurred letters with a short vertical dash above centre name, obscured by physical numbering.

Previous museum numbering on side of lamp, printed in black ink '1933.114'.

A3161

50 - 300

32 mm

40 mm