Lamp

Unknown

5th–6th century · Earthenware; molded · Islamic Art

Small earthenware lamps, made from double molds, were the most commonly used source of light during the Coptic period. A wick produced from plant fiber or linen fabric was placed in a reservoir filled with oil, generally castor or sesame oil, and illuminated. Religious symbols used as decoration, such as this variation of the Chi-Rho Christogram, the monogram for Christ 's name, were thought to offer protection for the lamp’s owner.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–6th century

Medium

Earthenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917