Lamp

Unknown

5th–6th 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 depicts the bust of a woman in a medallion formed by a palm; the image is surrounded by a broad rim decorated with ornamental squares, concentric circles, and palmettes.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–6th century

Medium

Earthenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927