Lot 2263
Egyptian Frog Lamp. Egypto-Roman, c. 3rd-4th century AD. Molded in a light gray-buff clay, the lamp with hints of a darker brown glaze. The top with stylized top view of a frog; the base with maker's symbol of star(?). Lamp with modest soot stains at nozzle, otherwise well preserved. Along with this are two small jars, Sumerian, in variously colored stone. The larger, a hanging jar, in gray limestone with wide mouth, carinated shoulders, sharply tapered, curved body, and three integral pierced loops, evenly spaced along the edge of the vessel's shoulder. Also, in tan and red limestone or marble, a squat ovate jar, perhaps for cosmetics. Both jars with losses to mouth and rims. Also, a small Islamic juglet, c. 12th-13th century, with thick blue-green glaze. Body conical with areas of bright iridescence to glaze. Jar's mouth and handle restored. Width lamp: 2-7/8"; width largest jar: 2-1/2". Juglet height: 4-3/4". Lot of 4 pieces.
The frog was the venerable and ancient symbol of Heket, who, in the Egyptian religion, was associated with childbirth and the renewal of life. This association was probably related to the appearance of frogs, which were connected with the rise and fall of the waters of the Nile (in itself, the fertile renewal of Egypt's arable lands). The use of the frog on lamps by Egyptian Christians is also well documented, and may have served for them as a transferred symbol of renewal, viz a viz the Resurrection.
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
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| Realized $115 |
