Choice Roman Oil Lamp With Chi-Rho // 5th – 6th Century AD

Ancient Roman North Africa, c. 5th – early 6th Century AD. An incredible Roman redware ceramic oil lamp with a large Chi-Rho. The lamp of hefty, sturdy construction, the round discus decorated with a large Christogram (Chi-Rho) which was the early Christian symbol comprising the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek. Surrounding the design is a band of ivy leaves in a laurel configuration, and the lamp has a small ring base. Some light chipping and spout reattached, otherwise intact and extremely well preserved, the spout still charred from ancient use! A beautiful example with well preserved surfaces and light deposits. Dimensions: 5.875”L x 3.375”W x 1.75”H. Ex Iowa private antiquities collection.Accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance. --Weight:5.8 oz