9th-12th century AD. A hollow-cast bronze vessel with stem and conical foot, three radiating D-shaped nozzles, central filler hole, three integral loops for attachment of suspension chain attached to a single ring. 299 grams, 11cm (4 1/4"). Property of a North West London gentleman; formerly with a central London gallery in 1990. During the Seljuk period, the arts were encouraged not only by the sultans but also by orders placed by the emirs and members of wealthy merchant families. Cast bronze vessels intended for everyday use were manufactured and decorated with engravings, reliefs, and openwork. Regarding oil lamps in Islam, the Qu'ran (24:35) cites that: “God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His light is, as it were, that of a niche containing a lamp; the lamp is enclosed in glass, the glass shining like a radiant star: a lamp lit from a blessed tree - an olive-tree that is neither of the east nor of the west the oil whereof is so bright that it would well-nigh give light of itself even though fire had not touched it: light upon light! God guides unto His light him that wills to be guided; and to this end God propounds parables unto men, since God alone has full knowledge of all things.

Fine condition.