Delphiniform Terracotta Lamp with Circular Ridge

Delphiniform Terracotta Lamp with Circular Ridge

terracotta: mold-made, fabric: fine, holes 1.6 cm. Munsell: 7.5 YR 5/3 brown
height 2.2 cm
length 7.7 cm
width 5.7 cm

Portland State University Middle East Studies Center
Bogue Lamp Collection, Lamp ID #248, PSU 037

Professor Anne Nicogorski, Willamette University, cited with permission

This brown molded lamp is basically round in shape with the medium-length nozzle protruding from one side. It is of the delphiniform type as it has a very small side-projection which has been chipped. The decoration is very simple, being mostly concentric to the medium-sized fill hole. A dark brown glaze has been poured over the top and dripped on the bottom.  The end of the nozzle has been cemented on after having been broken off. Shape: Round-bodied lamp with flat base set off by circular groove; slightly concave body profile; extended nozzle, rounded at end; large central fill hole in concave discus; slight lug on right side (nozzle pointing up). Decoration: Dark red-brown slip covering top and dribbling onto underside, which is otherwise unslipped. Relief decoration on top consisting of circular ridge at edge of fill hole; recessed band of small radiating squares at edge of discus; pair of volutes at juncture of nozzle and body; recessed band of squares between them on top of nozzle. Inscriptions: None. Condition: Complete; recomposed from three pieces; minor surface chips, especially on side-lug; worn.