Ruvo Lamp — Pair

Inspired by an ancient Apulian thymiaterion (incense burner) that we saw at the Museo Archeologico Provinciale “Sigismondo Castromediano” in Lecce. Built around a tall shaft rising to a cup where aromatic resins were left to smoulder, the thymiaterion is the most naturally lamp-like of ancient forms — a vertical ritual object reimagined, two and a half thousand years on, as a base for light.

Thymiateria were used throughout the Mediterranean from at least the 6th century BC, in temple and household alike, to burn frankincense and myrrh carried by caravan from southern Arabia. Costly and far-travelled, the rising fragrant smoke was an offering in itself — thought to carry prayers up to the gods, and a quiet mark of wealth and piety in the home. The object animated a room through the senses then, as it does now — smoke exchanged for light.

We were captivated by its timeless shape which we decorated in Apulian style associated with pottery discovered near Ruvo in southern Italy and displayed in the Jatta Archaeological Museum in Ruvo di Puglia.

All our lamp bases are unique artistic creations, individually wheel-thrown and meticulously hand-decorated with archaeological precision by second-generation Apulian master potters, devoted to keeping alive an art inherited from their ancient predecessors. Because every stage is worked by hand, the forms and patterns carry slight irregularities — the faint wobble of a freehand meander, the gentle drift of a band — just as they would have 2,500 years ago. No two examples are ever identical, even when sold as a pair.

Lamps will be fitted for the country of destination.

Please allow 3-6 weeks for completion and shipping. May be further customised at buyer's request.

Dimensions

Height to top of the base: 42 cm / 16.5"

Width: 16.5 cm / 6.5”

Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5”