Handcrafted Replica Roman Glassblower Oil Lamp – Inspired by a Rare Find from Slovenia

Details

This handcrafted Roman Oil Lamp is inspired by a remarkable archaeological discovery that offers a rare glimpse into the working lives of ordinary Roman craftspeople. The original lamp, which inspired our Museum Quality Replica, was discovered at Spodnje Škofije, near Koper in Slovenia. Dating to the second half of the 1st century AD or the beginning of the 2nd century, it preserves a fascinating snapshot of ancient craftsmanship.

Recovered during archaeological excavations in 2002 and 2003, the lamp was lifted from the earth that had protected and concealed it for nearly 2,000 years. It was discovered in a Roman cremation grave, where it had been placed alongside the remains of someone whose passing was marked with care and ceremony. As was common in the Roman world, the burial ground lay beside an important road, where travellers passing between Aquileia, Tergeste (modern Trieste) and Pola (modern Pula) would have been reminded of those who had gone before them.

Although Roman oil lamps are relatively common archaeological finds, the decoration on this example makes it particularly special.

At the centre of the lamp is a detailed depiction of a Roman glassblowing furnace, flanked by two craftspeople engaged in glass production. One figure sits on a low stool, using a blowpipe to shape molten glass, while the other appears to be assisting with the process.

The furnace itself is divided into two sections, with a lower opening for feeding the fire and an upper chamber where the glass was heated. These small details provide valuable clues about the tools, techniques and working practices of Roman glassmakers. Perhaps most remarkably, a modern glassblower would recognise many of the tools and techniques being used in this ancient workshop, a wonderful reminder that we are more closely connected to the people of the past than we might imagine.

Remarkably, this is one of only three known Roman oil lamps depicting this particular glassworking scene. Similar examples have been discovered in Croatia and Italy, but the Slovenian lamp is the best preserved, retaining details that have helped archaeologists interpret the others.

The cremation grave also contained fragments of several small glass vessels, known as balsamaria, commonly used for perfumes and oils. This raises an intriguing question: could the person buried here have been connected to the glassmaking trade? Perhaps a glassblower, a merchant or someone whose life was closely associated with glass production. We cannot know for certain, but the combination of objects certainly invites us to wonder.

For us at Potted History, this lamp holds a particular fascination. As craftspeople recreating ancient objects using traditional techniques, we are constantly searching for clues about how our predecessors worked. Graham even turned his hand to glassblowing in his younger years, and we still have the vases to prove it! Here, preserved on a humble ceramic lamp, is a wonderful glimpse into Roman craftsmanship and everyday working life.

Materials

Terracotta earthenware

Dimensions

Length: Approx. 115 mm long, 85 mm across, 30 mm high

Production

Each museum-quality replica is entirely handcrafted using traditional Roman techniques and historically accurate tools.

• Made using authentic methods, just as the original would have been
• Fired using traditional techniques, resulting in unique variations in surface colour and texture
• Each piece is one of a kind, just as with original Roman lamps

Health & Safety

Before using your lamp, please read the safety instructions:

• Burn ONLY OLIVE OIL in your lamp.
• DO NOT use modern lamp oil or any other flammable liquids.
• Place the lamp on a stable, non-absorbent, and non-flammable surface, away from heat sources.
• DO NOT move or pick up the lamp while it is lit.
• Ensure that there are no flammable materials above or near the lamp.
• DO NOT leave the lamp unattended while it is lit.
• Keep the wick trimmed very short to ensure a clean, bright flame and reduce the risk of fire.
• This lamp is not a toy – KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Use this lamp at your own risk – we cannot take responsibility for accidents or injuries caused by its use.
• Extinguish the lamp by snuffing it out with a metal spoon – never blow it out or use water.

Instructions for Use

1. Adjust the wick so that it does not protrude above the wick aperture.
2. Fill the lamp with olive oil through the filler hole in the centre. (Allow the wick to soak for 1 hour before lighting for the first time.)
3. Light the lamp.
4. If the flame produces smoke, shorten the wick by gripping it with tweezers through the filler hole and gently adjusting it. (Do not attempt this while the lamp is lit or the wick is hot.)

Ordering Information

• 'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
• 'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping

• Standard shipping: Sent via second-class postal service.
• Faster delivery: If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
• Carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Own a piece of Roman history – order your replica oil lamp today and bring the light of the ancient world into your home!

Further Reading

For those who would like to explore the archaeology behind this remarkable object, we recommend:

Irena Lazar (2006), An Oil Lamp from Slovenia Depicting a Roman Glass Furnace.

The paper includes photographs and archaeological illustrations of the original lamp, along with a discussion of the other known examples.

Read the archaeological paper on Academia.edu