14th Century Islamic Copper Alloy Oil Lamp with Bird Handle

Details

Description

A rare and highly evocative medieval Islamic copper-alloy oil lamp, attributed to the 14th century, distinguished by its unusual multi-spouted … Read more A rare and highly evocative medieval Islamic copper-alloy oil lamp, attributed to the 14th century, distinguished by its unusual multi-spouted construction and sculptural bird-form handle. The lamp is formed around a substantial enclosed body with four covered wick spouts, each extending outward and terminating in a broad, spade-shaped opening. This ingenious arrangement would have permitted several flames to burn simultaneously, providing considerably greater illumination than a conventional single-wick lamp. Rising above the body is an impressive large circular handle surmounted by a stylised bird, lending the otherwise functional object a distinctly sculptural quality. A small thumbpiece positioned above the body would have assisted handling, while the lamp is elevated upon a conical foot decorated with engraved geometric ornament. Cast and worked in copper alloy, the surface has developed a deep and varied patina, with areas of wear and surviving engraved detail contributing to its archaeological character. The form demonstrates the continuation and adaptation of earlier Mediterranean and Byzantine lighting traditions within the medieval Islamic world. Objects such as this provide a fascinating insight into the sophisticated metalworking traditions and everyday material culture of the medieval Islamic period, combining practical engineering with carefully considered decorative detail. An impressive object for a collection of Islamic art, medieval metalwork, antiquities or historic lighting. Origin Islamic World Material Cast and engraved copper alloy Measurements Height: 23.5 cm / 9.3 in Width: 13 cm / 5.1 in Depth: approx. 13 cm / 5.1 in Period 14th Century / Medieval Islamic See less