Lamp

Unknown

4th century · Earthenware; molded · Islamic Art

Small earthenware lamps, made from double molds, were the most commonly used source of light in daily Coptic life. A wick produced from plant fiber or linen fabric was placed in a reservoir filled with oil, generally castor or sesame oil, and illuminated. The disc of this red earthenware lamp is decorated with a dolphin encircled by a border of palm leaves.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th century

Medium

Earthenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927