Islamic Pottery Oil lamp, Type Kubiak L (No Reserve Price)

ITEM: Oil lamp, Type Kubiak L
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Islamic
PERIOD: 12th - 13th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 90 mm x 90 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex Frech private collection, acquired before 1980s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license

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Islamic oil lamps from the 12th to 13th centuries reflect both the artistry and practical needs of the time. By this period, oil lamps were common household items, used widely in homes, mosques, and palaces across the Islamic world, from the Middle East to North Africa and parts of Spain. These lamps were crafted from materials like metal, ceramic, and glass, each choice influencing their form and decorative style. Ceramic lamps, often produced in workshops in Syria and Egypt, were relatively affordable and accessible, while metal and glass lamps catered more to wealthier patrons. The use of intricate glazing techniques, particularly in ceramics, also became a hallmark of lamps from this period, showcasing advancements in pottery that allowed for rich coloration and durability.

The design of these lamps was influenced by both functional and aesthetic considerations. Many oil lamps were small and portable, with handles or hanging mechanisms that made them easy to carry or suspend from ceilings and walls. Typically, these lamps had a reservoir to hold oil, a spout or several spouts to place wicks, and sometimes a perforated cover that helped control the flame’s intensity. The aesthetics of 12th- and 13th-century Islamic lamps were often quite sophisticated, with surfaces adorned in floral, geometric, and calligraphic patterns that reflected the artistic ideals of the period. Glass lamps, in particular, were produced with colored enamels and gold leaf applications, creating dazzling pieces used in religious spaces. These artistic elements weren’t just decorative; they also held symbolic significance, with calligraphic inscriptions sometimes featuring verses from the Qur’an, underscoring the spiritual role of light in Islam.

These oil lamps also reveal a network of trade and influence. The materials and decorative techniques used in their creation were often influenced by interactions with neighboring cultures, including Byzantine and Persian artistic traditions. Techniques such as luster painting, where metal oxides were applied to create a metallic sheen on ceramics, reflect the innovative spirit of Islamic artisans in this era. Many of these lamps have been uncovered in archaeological sites, providing insight into both daily life and the religious practices of the period.