Oil lamp, pottery

Oil lamps were generally suspended from above on chains, or set on tabletops. If set on a tabletop, they could be either low vessels (such as a dish) or placed higher up on a stand. Lamps could be hung individually or en mass in metal frames called polycandelons. It was common for lamps to be hung or set into stands, and as candles came into use, it appears that the lamp stands were the origins for candlesticks. Indeed, many early candlesticks could accommodate either candles or lamps. 

Oil lamps could be quite simple and inexpensive, or very elaborate affairs only the most wealthy could afford. They could be made of pottery, stone, metal, clay or glass. They might have but a single wick or several. Wicks might be made of dried moss, linen, hemp, cotton or even strips of old cloth.

Cotton proved to make the best wicks, and replaced all others as it became common. Records warn that wool makes poor wicks, and this is true. Wicks could be floated on top of the oil, or placed in to the oil to rest on the edge of the lamp, or be supported in the oil by a metal spring or clip.

This simple dish shaped lamp has a handle which makes it easy to move. We recommend using olive oil as fuel, as it is inexpensive, burns clean and smells nice.  A length of braided cotton cord is included as a wick.  Coil the wick up and saturate with oil. Allow one end to poke out of the oil about 1/2” and light. Although these lamps are relatively safe (they tend to extinguish when upset), please use caution when lit, and never allow children to play with it. 

• Height- 1.5"
• Width (bowl)- 4"
• Width (bowl + handle) - 6.5"