A Jerash terracotta oil lamp, made of dark clay with a red slip. The nozzle is decorated with a flower motif on a stem ending with two leaves, with a band of oval patterns around the central filling hole. A little blackening around the area of the nozzle from ancient use.
 
Jewish Holy Land: Circa 1st-2nd century AD.
 
Very Fine condition.
Length 9 cms (3.5 ins)
 
Provenance: Provenance: Ex Judge Steve Adler collection Jerusalem, acquired since the 1960's. Exported with export approval licence of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
 
Published: Item 363: Oil Lamps of the Holy Land: The Adler Collection; Israel 2004
 
The Jerash lamps, primarily manufactured in Jerash (Gerasa) closely resemble the Daroma lamps, and are known for their distinctive designs, which often feature intricate decorations in accordance with Jewish law and a characteristic small, unperforated knob handle.
 
See our blog post on oil lamps from the Jewish Holy Land around the time of Jesus