A Roman Bronze Oil Lamp Spout, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE

Known traditionally as plastic ('plastic' meaning molded or modeled) lamps, oil lamps of this type were formed into fantastic shapes Their shapes were limited only by the makers' imaginations and were molded to represent anything from heads, hands, and feet, to gods, animals and mythological characters. This anthropomorphic spout is from such a vessel, depicting the head of Pan with a glaring expression, wide protruding nose, and large open mouth that was used as the wick hole, the back open for attachment to the body of the lamp. Dimensions: Length: 1 3/4  inches (4.44 cm), Width: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) Condition: Intact and in good condition overall. With good patina. Provenance: Private Maryland collection, acquired in 2009, previously in a Dutch private collection.