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Byzantine Terracotta Lamp 'Ioannes' (6th c. CE)
€400,00
Material:
- Terracotta
Era:
- Byzantine
Rarity:
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30-day return policy
Shipping & delivery times
Every piece ships from Belgium, fully insured and tracked, with its certificate of authenticity.
European Union
- Shipping is free, insured and tracked.
- Dispatched within 1–3 business days, delivered 1–3 business days later.
Outside the EU
- Shipping is a flat €95 per order, however many pieces. It covers the EU export licence and insured DHL Express (2–5 business days after dispatch).
- Every antiquity leaving the EU needs an official EU export licence. We apply for it on your behalf (included in the €95); approval takes about 3 weeks before dispatch. The licence travels with the piece and stays part of its provenance.
- Import duties and taxes are not included. They are charged on top by your country's customs.
How the export licence works · Questions before you order? Write to us and we will confirm your delivery timeline within 24 hours.
Description
This genuine Byzantine terracotta oil lamp dates to the 6th century AD. Crafted from fine terracotta, the lamp measures 8.1 cm in length and remains in good, stable condition, preserving the character and daily life of early Christian Byzantium. Such lamps were used throughout the empire for household illumination, religious rituals, and as symbols of faith.
Details
Era: Byzantine, 6th Century AD
Material: Terracotta
Object: Oil lamp
Length: 8.1 cm
Condition: Good, with minor ancient wear consistent with age
Provenance: Private collection of Alain Grenier (1930-2022), France-Ambassador, Diplomat, and Consul General
Unique Identifier: O-B-01-P
Historical Context:
Oil lamps like this were essential objects in Byzantine daily life, providing light in homes and churches. Their simple yet elegant forms often reflected local traditions and spiritual symbolism. This piece offers a direct link to the domestic and sacred world of the early medieval Mediterranean.
Restoration:
This lamp is offered in as-found, original condition. No restoration has been undertaken or is available for this piece.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is:
The US size of this ring is:
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.