These are three “Aladdin’s Lamp” style objects that my parents bought in either Tunisian or Iran
4 x 2 x 1
Hello,
The present lot consists of three ancient-style terracotta oil lamps, framed together for display. Based on visual inspection, the lamps resemble traditional forms used across the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods, but without closer material analysis or provenance documentation, a precise dating is challenging. The client notes that the pieces were acquired in Tunisia or Iran, suggesting a North African or Near Eastern origin, both regions rich in ancient and medieval ceramic traditions.
The lamps exhibit a range of designs: one appears to feature a stylized animal or grotesque face (typical of late Roman or Byzantine production), another has a ribbed body form (common in North Africa during the Roman and early Islamic periods), and the third shows intricate molded decoration, possibly evoking Islamic art styles of the early medieval period. However, given their uniform patina and the strong tradition of producing “tourist antiquities” (replicas made to imitate ancient styles), especially in Tunisia, it is probable that these are 20th-century replicas rather than authentic antiquities. Tourist reproductions were—and still are—commonly sold across the Mediterranean.
Condition appears stable; some surface wear and patina are evident but are typical for decorative replicas rather than true archaeological material. The framed presentation suggests these were intended for decorative, not scholarly, purposes.