4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A LATE ROMAN/EARLY BYZANTINE BRONZE GRIFFIN LAMP
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
The body with long splayed nozzle within volutes, small hinged lid above, with arching handle in the form of a griffin head emerging from volutes, a ball held within its open beak, knobbed crest over the back of the neck pierced for attached suspension chain, another suspension chain attached to the spout
6 in. (15.2 cm.) long

Provenance

Formerly in a Scandinavian collection.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Cf. C. Stiegemann (ed.), Byzanz: Das Licht aus dem Osten, Diözesanmuseum Paderborn, Paderborn and Mainz, 2001, pp. 211-212, no. II.5 for similar. The griffin was seen as the bringer of light and fire in pagan mythology and integrated into Christian symbolism.

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