A Roman Bronze Oil Lamp Spout, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE

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Known traditionally as plastic ('plastic' meaning molded or modeled) lamps, oil lamps of this type were formed into fantastic shapes Their shapes were limited only by the makers' i maginations and were molded to represent anything from heads, hands, and feet, to gods, animals and mythological characters. This anthropomorphic spout is from such a vessel, depicting the head of Pan with a glaring expression, wide protruding nose, and large open mouth that was used as the wick hole, the back open for attachment to the body of the lamp. Dimensions: Length: 1 3/4 inches (4.44 cm), Width: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) Condition: Intact and in good condition overall. With good patina. Provenance: Private Maryland collection, acquired in 2009, previously in a Dutch private collection. Show more