Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The oil lamps configured in frog or with more simple representations of the animal in relief, are an exclusive production of Roman and Coptic Egypt diffused from the second century AD.
The frog was an animal considered sacred to Heket, the Egyptian goddess of fertility; together with the snake was considered the first animal created by the Nile.
In the Roman world becomes a symbol of the birth and resurrection after death.

More info

This example has a really accurate rendering: details as eyes, fingers and the back are very refined. The technique gives to the lamp's metal a golden glimpse, increasing its elegance.

Provenance: Palagi Collection
Datation: 2nd century AD
Material: bronze
Dimensions: height cm 3; lenght cm 9
Inventory #: 2040