Ca. 300-700 AD. Byzantine. A polycandelon (a round flat hanging lamp) with a bronze ring with decorative lozenges alternating with loops which would receive the oil receptacles; suspended by chains and a hanging hook on the top. Good condition. Byzantines churches were lit by polycandela, an early type of candelabra that held glass oil lamps rather than candles. The lamps were either conical or shaped like round bowls with an elongated stem attached beneath. Polycandela like this one were originally from churches, but they also came to be used in secular contexts. An effective and very atmospheric source of lighting, polycandela required considerable skill in casting and glasswork. For a similar polycandelon, see https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/56022. For more information on Byzantine polycandela, see Nesbitt, J. W. & Demirjian, T. (eds)(1988). Byzantium, the Light in the Age of Darkness, Ariadne Galleries, 53ff. Size: L:235mm / W:210mm ; 670g. Provenance: Ex: Nevada Private Collection; formerly acquired on the German Art Market, 2015.