Byzantine Pottery Oil Lamp Circa 5th-7th century AD This mould-made pottery oil lamp is decorated on the top with a relief design on either side of the filling hole. A protruding lug handle is set at the back. Oil lamps served as essential lighting devices in domestic and public spaces. The method of operation involved filling the lamp's central reservoir with oil through the designated filling hole. A wick, placed in the nozzle, absorbed the oil, enabling it to burn steadily when lit. This simple yet effective design became a prevalent method of illumination in the Roman world. Dimensions: 80mm x 50mm; weight 45g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.