The Met x Eichholtz: Table Lamp Antonine

The Table Lamp Antonine is a modern homage to the intricate artistry of ancient Rome, inspired by a marble vase from the Antonine period (2nd half of the 2nd century CE).

Featuring an antiqued finish and distinctive snake-like handles, this lamp brings historical charm into contemporary interiors. Topped with a handmade linen-mix shade crafted in the Netherlands, it seamlessly blends classical influence with refined artisanship, making it a captivating addition to any decor.

Historic Provenance

The Table Lamp Antonine draws its design from a marble vase with intertwined serpent handles, housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dating to the 2nd half of the 2nd century CE, the Roman original is celebrated as one of the finest and best-preserved examples of its kind.

The vase’s strigillated (S-shaped) reliefs and serpent handles—depicted biting the rim—symbolized chthonian (underworld) powers and served as guardians of sacred spaces. While its exact purpose remains uncertain, the absence of a funerary inscription suggests it may have been intended for decorative use rather than as an ash urn.

Our reinterpretation celebrates the elegance of this ancient design, featuring a marble-inspired finish and a handcrafted linen-mix shade, bringing the timeless allure of classical craftsmanship into the modern home.