SELJUK BROWN GLAZE POTTERY OIL LAMP

Ca. 1100-1200 AD
A brown glazed pottery oil lamp. It consists of a domed central chamber with a flat base, complemented by a circular wide opening at the top. Notably, a long channeled spout emerges from the side, allowing for controlled and directed dispersal of the oil. At the rear of the lamp, a trefoil-shaped thumb's rest provides a convenient grip, while a loop handle below ensures ease of transportation and handling. Oil lamps of this type served as vital sources of illumination during the Seljuk period, utilizing combustible oils such as olive oil or animal fat as fuel. The oil would be poured into the central container, and a wick, typically made of flax or cotton, would extend from the spout. When lit, the wick would draw the fuel to the flame, providing a steady and adjustable source of light. These oil lamps were essential for domestic, religious, and ceremonial purposes, illuminating homes, mosques, and other communal spaces during the evening hours.
Size: L:95mm / W:145mm ; 260g
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Estimate: GBP 75 - 150