Presented in this lot is an 12th-15th Century Ghaznavid Dynasty Bronze Oil Lamp, Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, during the Golden Age of Islam. The Ghaznavid dynasty, found in the city of Lashkar Gah, once historically called Bost or Boost, was once the site of a Ghaznavid palace and soldiers' bazaar near the confluence of the Helmand and Arghandab rivers in southeastern Afghanistan. The top resembles an Elephant head, its trunk in an upward position, Arabesque designs adorning the trunk and head. On the head rear is a square protusion most likely a stop for the original lid; lid is missing. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including ancient Afghan, Indian, Mughal, Persian and Far Asian artifacts. The monuments at Bost include remains from periods of ancient Iranian, Greco-Roman, and Indian domination, as well as the ruins of an imposing fortress, a soaring arch with baked-brick decoration in geometric patterns. The wealth of the medieval city was attested by Arab and Persian writers. Much of Afghanistan's art can be traced back through the invasions, occupations, empires, and dynasties that so frequently have ravaged the country. Afghanistan has been a crossroads of cultures that make up the colorfully robust and dynamic foundation of Afghan art. The National Museum of Afghanistan showcases artifacts from the Ghaznavid dynasty in the 12th Century A.D. The colors seen on ancient bronzes are mostly a result of copper oxidizing to form red-brown cuprite, green malachite, and bluish azurite. This oil lamp is in amazingly preserved condition. Oil Lamp is a pedestal style with a flat round base for placing on a table or shelf. Lid is missing, holes on upper body and inside reservoir. Dents and scratches also noted throughout. Measures 4.5"W x 4.25"H at the spout, weight 8oz.

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