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Biblical Antiquities :
Talmudic Oil Lamps : Talmudic Oil Lamp
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Talmudic Oil Lamp - L.0110
Origin: Israel
Circa: 400
AD
to 600
AD
Collection: Biblical
Style: Talmudic
Medium: Terracotta
$1,480.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
A token of a faith already old when this lamp was
created, such an object might have lit Jewish
homes or temples over a thousand years ago. A
metaphor for joy and prosperity, for hope, for
life itself, lamps have illuminated the path of
civilization for centuries. They have guided great
thoughts through the night, stood vigil with
lonely passions. This lamp is decorated with a
series of grape vines encircling the central
opening and a palmette leaf on the handle. Both
these images are fraught with symbolism. The
palm tree is a symbol of the ancient land of
Judea, used in the Judea Capta of coins. They
represent height and abundance, for the sight of
these trees when traversing the desert would
imply that an oasis is nearby. Similarly, vines
and grapes (gefen) symbolize the abundance of
the land of Israel. Grapes have been cultivated
since the dawn of mankind; the first vineyard
mentioned in the Bible was planted by Noah after
the flood subsided. Throughout generations,
they have provided their fruit and wine,
frequently used in many rituals and ceremonies.
In the presence of this simple object, we are in
touch directly with a vanished world, with the
people once warmed by its glow. Today it
remains as an enduring symbol of man's desire
to conquer the darkness while its decoration
speak of the bounty of God’s gift to the Jewish
people: the land of Israel.
- (L.0110)
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