Ancient Lamps - RomQ Reference Collection

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VR10

Reference: VR10 / Cat. No.

Period: Roman

Origin: Southern France, Provence

Date: 80 – 140 AD

Description:
Rounded nozzle flanked by volutes. Defined circular base.

On discus: facing bust of Mercury wearing winged petasos, flanked by caduceus at l. and purse at r.

Base impressed LHOSCRI, large impressed V below
Lucius Hosidius Crispus, a recorded maker in southern France (probably Vaison-la-Romaine area).


Fabric: Buff clay with traces of red-brown slip.

Manufacture: Mould made.

Size (cm): L. 10.1, W. 7.0, H. 2.9

Notes:
Cf. BMC III, Q1535 (found at Vaison-la-Romaine); (subject) BMC II, Q1301-3; Chrzanovski & Djaoui, Peuce 2018, pp.55-198, M18; Bonnet & Delplace, Gallia 1983, pp.176-8, 14; (mark) Jullian, AIBL 1898, pp.12-15; Bonnet & Delplace, Lyon 1987, pp.65-71; BMC III, pp.97-8, Q1550, Q1554, Q1570; Bailey 1972, p.24.
The products of this prolific maker seem to have been largely confined to Gaul.


Comments:
Although it can often be difficult to distinguish between Italian/African imports and local copies of them, the signature and fabric here confirm that this lamp was certainly made in Gaul itself.



VR10


VR10


Last edited: 12-07-2026

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