Lamp

Unknown

9th–11th century · Stonepaste; glazed · Islamic Art

This lamp contains an open reservoir that would have held burning oil and a wick. Soaked in the oil and lighted, the wick would transport the fuel to the flame. Traces of burning are still visible on the lamp’s lip. Ceramic lamps in this shape were most common in Iran in the early Islamic periods. They are either unglazed or, from the ninth/tenth century onwards, glazed in green. By the twelfth century, the lamps’ shape had changed to include a closed reservoir, often placed on a stem.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th–11th century

Medium

Stonepaste; glazed

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1938