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 flat top of this red earthenware lamp is decorated with circles enclosing pellets near the handle and palm branches near the spout.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th century?

Medium

Earthenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927