mini bronze oil lamp with sinuous octopus and healing serpent

This flexible and intelligent creature relates to the psyche, to emotion and to intuition.

The Minoans depicted the octopus on their pottery and in their jewellery, clearly intrigued by this silent, graceful creature, unfurling its tentacles, moving slowly through an element that is itself constantly in motion.

An octopus makes camouflage to protect itself against predators and, if necessary, can detach a limb, which in turn will regenerate. Its ejection of black ink is designed to confuse, delude and deter.

As a symbol of healing and protection, the serpent was associated with the cult of Asklepios, god of medicine, who is represented in ancient Greek art with his serpent entwined staff. Twin intertwining serpents were also an integral part of the kerykeion of Hermes (aka the caduceus of Mercury) the messenger god and the god of transitions.

The Greeks feared it for its tremendous powers, but it was also revered as a defender and guardian. It was a symbol of regeneration and renewal, and the Romans later regarded it as representing the spirit, or 'genius', of the family.

The bronze oil lamps at It's All Greek are beautiful, decorative pieces in their own right, and will enhance any surface. Should you wish to use them, please do so with great care and at your own risk!

Suggestions:

• place on a slate placemat or stone surface NOT on wood, since the bronze may heat up a little

• use clear paraffin odour-free lamp oil and a slow-burning wick, specifically designed for hurricane lamps or vintage lamps

• do not leave unattended

Hephaistos would be amazed by the craftsmanship and quality of this wonderful collection!

These superb bronze pieces are cast in Greece using the traditional lost wax method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in texture, patina, and colour. No two pieces are ever the same. If mounted, the base is of black marble.

Please note that there may be a variation of some millimetres in the dimensions of the base from time to time, and that accessories such as spears, tridents or javelins may vary in length or height! If you need precise dimensions and weight, email me!

If you need a piece to fit a very specific space, or if you want me to take a photo of a couple of pieces so you can pick the one you want, I will do so with pleasure.

Every piece is deliciously tactile.

It's All Greek is so grateful and so proud to have been working closely with the Semitekolo family foundry since 1999. It has been a privilege and a joy to handle, live with, to photograph and describe these gorgeous pieces, before passing them on to passionate and grateful customers all over the world.

If you already own one of these pieces, cherish it!