Oil Lamp

This ceramic lamp bowl dates to the 11th–13th centuries and formed part of a lighting device used in medieval urban settings.
Lamps of this type were used in domestic and religious interiors. Oil was placed in the reservoir, and a wick extended through a narrow opening to produce steady light. Illumination served both practical needs and, in religious contexts, carried symbolic associations.
The surface is decorated with dark painted motifs on a light ground. Stylized scrolls and geometric elements reflect regional ceramic traditions of the period. The decoration enhances the form without obscuring its function.
This object illustrates everyday lighting practices in medieval Central Asia and the integration of utility and ornament in ceramic production.