Most of these oil lamps were made of stone and burned animal fat. Oil lamps dating to around 4000 BC have been found in Egypt where they were used for centuries,   not only for the illumination of the home, but also in religious ritual, which was an integral part of daily life at the time.

 In historical times one such ceremony, called Liknokaia (the burning lamp), was held in honor of the goddess Naiff, according to the historian Herodotus. During this celebration the ancient Egyptians lit thousands of oil lamps around the country and in their homes. One well-known Egyptian oil lamp was the luxurious lamp of Isis, which was used to illuminate the statues of the gods. Records reveal that in ancient Greece a famous large oil lamp called  Callimatos, “the golden lamp”, was kept in the Acropolis and burned daily with only one refill of oil per year.

Just as the Egyptians,  the ancient Greeks also used oil lamps in death ritual and other religious ceremonies. For centuries the oil lamp has served Man in the practical needs of daily life, remaining a constant reminder of his connection to the sacred.

                            The production of oil lamps by pottery wheel began about 600 BC. , followed by mould production dating from 400-300 BC. The molding process resulted in  the improvement of the quality and decoration of the lamps. Throughout history the form and function  of  oil lamps has steadily progressed.

The Romans  brought the oil lamp to  Europe, preserving their importance in ceremony on the precedent of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

In Late Antiquity and through the  Byzantine Period, oil lamps found symbolic use in the Christian religion. The ancient pagan decorative images on lamps were replaced by the symbol of the cross. For most of the people around the world, the oil lamp has historically played an important role in  society. One need only recall the charming Arabic tale of Aladdin, whose ‘magic’ lamp gained fame around the world.   As a historical artifact, the oil lamp, has persisted from ancient times to our own, making it a valuable indicator of the progress of civilization.  

             The oil lamps from Epalladio Art Workshop are not industrial products, but rather artistic replicas, handmade with respect for these thousands of years of tradition. Our lamps are made of stoneware and are guaranteed for durability and functionality. Our designs are characteristic of those from museums around the world.  (We have given most of our oil lamps the names of ancient manufacturers). A lit oil lamp promises to provide a healthy and exotic atmosphere in any home.             

                                ENJOY!! 

             3000 years BC

      Oil lamp from Greece 

         600-500 years BC

               Roman lamp

       200 –300 years AD

          Byzantine oil lamps

        600-700 years AD