A lamp such as this might have lit homes at
the dawn of the Christian era. A metaphor of
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. 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. This particular oil lamp is
characterized as Byzantine for its orange-red
hue and unique braid patterning. It features
concentric circles and ladder motifs as well,
and a two-tiered elevated ridge around the
filling hole.
- (LK.305)
|
