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REN1 · 16.0017

Oil Lamp

11th century CEMawarannahr, BukharaCopper13.5 × 6.8 cm

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Description

This copper oil lamp was discovered in the Bukhara oasis and dates to the 11th century.
Lamps of this type were used in domestic and religious settings to provide illumination. Oil was placed in the reservoir, and a wick extended through a spout to produce light.
The lamp was cast in copper, a material valued for its durability and resistance to heat. Its form reflects practical considerations, while decorative elements contribute to its visual character.
Objects such as this offer insight into everyday life and craft production in medieval Mawarannahr.