Lamp

5th–6th century

Not on view

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. The disc of this red earthenware lamp depicts a standing female figure holding a bowl. The image is surrounded by a broad rim decorated with rosettes alternating with squares which enclose circles.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Lamp
Date: 5th–6th century
Geography: Attributed to Egypt
Medium: Earthenware; molded
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1927
Object Number: 27.94.14
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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