Holy Land Oil Lamp - Christian Inscription
Byzantine Era, Circa 5th – 7th Century AD
This is a very scarce ancient mold made terracotta lamp. Encircling the filling hole are two raised rings in relief, with the shoulder bearing a Greek inscription translated as “The Light of Christ Shines for all”. Additionally, the wick hole serves as one branch of a menorah or 7 branched candlestick with three branches on either side of the nozzle.
Holy Land oil lamps with a specific Christian inscription such as this, (relating the Light of Christ to the light of the lamp) are highly prized. They are far scarcer than the menorah or candlestick lamp without inscription.
Reference to this exact type of lamp is found in Adler, “Oil Lamps of the Holy Land (2004),” pg. 150, pictured as item 194.
Ex collection of David Hendin, author of “Guide to Biblical Coins”
An excellent intact example with some burial encrustation.
Length: 3 7/8 inches
