Lamp

Unknown

4th–6th century · Earhenware; 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. This buff earthenware lamp is decorated with a palm branch near the spout and a Greek inscription on the shoulder which is a blundered version of "The Light of Christ shines for all".

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–6th century

Medium

Earhenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927