Late Roman Bronze Lamp with Greek Inscription and Bull Head Handle

Late Roman Bronze Lamp with Greek Inscription and Bull Head Handle, ca. 4th-5th Century AD. Circular bodied lamp with rounded nozzle; the handle terminates in a bull protome bearing a solar symbol engraved between the eyes. The fill hole with a shell-shaped lid and surrounded by a two-line Greek inscription reading: ΚΑΙCΑΡΕΙΝΟC ΑΠΟΛΛΟΩ / ΝΙ ΕΥΧΗΝ. “Kaisareinos (dedicated this) to Apollo in fulfillment of a vow.”

The inscription records a votive dedication by an individual named Kaisareinos to the god Apollo, "Caesareinos to Apollo as a gift," a common expression of piety and gratitude in the Greek world

Provenance:

Private Collection (M.D.H.), London, acquired in the 1980s.

Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Kunst der Antike, 26 June 2018, Lot 249.. L. 4 3/4" (12.07 cm) H. with base 5 1/8"..