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Part of a Lantern

8th century

Not on view

Al-Fudayn, an Umayyad residence located on trade routes joining cities such as Gerasa (Jerash) with the Arabian Peninsula, belonged to the exceptionally wealthy great grandson of the third Orthodox caliph ‘Uthman ibin ‘Afan. It was destroyed in the early ninth century, when a subsequent owner opposed the Abbasids. These luxury goods were found together and were perhaps hidden at that time.
This dome-shaped lantern has a series of arcades containing hanging lamps around the base. The lamp may have been inspired by a monument such as the Dome of the Rock, an important early Islamic site in Jerusalem.

Part of a Lantern, Steatite, carved and engraved — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Part of a Lantern

Date: 8th century

Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean, excavated at al-Fudayn (Mafraq), Jordan

Medium: Steatite, carved and engraved

Dimensions: H: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); diam: 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)

Classification: Steatites

Credit Line: Jordan Archeological Museum, Amman (J. 19312)

Accession Number: isl786

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.