Roman terracotta oil lamp, Loeschcke Type VIII mould-made lamp mould in orange-buff clay. The discus shows a proud lion rushing to left with its tail curled high in the air, a filling hole slightly below, a small vent hole above, and a ring handle at the rear. The base carries the potter’s mark in the form of a row of four impressed circles, and the old collection number in black. 
 
Ancient Roman northern Africa: Circa 200-300 AD.
 
Complete and intact: the scene worn, a small shallow hole on the perimeter and with a few white accretions. 
Length 11.6 cms (4.6 ins)
 
Provenance: From an old German collection, 1960's-1970's
 
The rampant lion was a highly popular animal motif on Roman oil lamps. It symbolized power, protection, and exotic wild nature, often evoking the fierce beasts imported for arena games.
 
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