Roman Oil Lamp, New Year

Handcrafted Replica Roman New Year's Oil Lamp – Inspired by an Original from AD 50-100

Details

This exquisite replica oil lamp is based on a celebratory New Year’s lamp made around AD 50-100. The design features Victory, the winged goddess, holding a palm branch, a symbol of success, and a circular shield.

Surrounding her are traditional Roman New Year’s gifts, including coins, a fig, and dates. The coin beneath her wings depicts Janus, the two-faced god who looks both backward and forward, guarding the threshold between the old and the new. It is widely believed that January is named after Janus.

The inscription reads:

"Annu(m) Nov(u)m Fau(s)tum Felice(m)"
“A happy and prosperous New Year.”

This lamp is a fully functional replica, designed to burn olive oil, just as the original Roman lamps would have done. It comes with one cotton wick, so you can use your lamp immediately after reading the safety instructions. One wick provides hours of light, and additional wicks can be purchased separately.

Materials

• White earthenware with a white slip finish

Dimensions

• Length: Approx. 150 mm

Production

Each museum-quality replica is handcrafted using traditional Roman techniques and historically accurate tools. As with all handmade pieces, slight variations in colour and texture occur due to the firing process, ensuring that each lamp is unique.

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 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 lit.
• Keep the wick trimmed very short to maintain a clean, bright flame and reduce fire risk.
• This lamp is not a toy – KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Use at your own risk – we cannot accept responsibility for accidents or injuries resulting from 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. If the flame produces smoke, shorten the wick by gently adjusting it through the filler hole with tweezers. 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

• All orders are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
• If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
• Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Own a piece of Roman history with this beautifully handcrafted replica oil lamp. Order today to bring the light of the ancient world into your home!