Lot 98
Near East, Islamic World, Seljuk Period, ca. 11th to 13th century CE. A pair of leaded brass oil lamps, each ingeniously crafted with avian finials and handles, reflecting the Seljuk mastery of symbolic ornament. The more petite example is squat and globular, its lid surmounted by a small bird, while the handle takes the form of a perched bird, lending balance and charm to its compact silhouette. The larger lamp is more elaborate, its rounded body raised on a flaring pedestal base with panels of incised vegetal and linear decoration. The handle is crowned by a bird whose form is enlivened with self-referential imagery: medallions with birds engraved upon each wing, and three stylized bird heads extending from the tail feathers. Calligraphic inscriptions in elegant script encircle the shoulder of the vessel, conferring both spiritual resonance and decorative refinement. Size of larger: 9.9" L x 5.2" W x 9.4" H (25.1 cm x 13.2 cm x 23.9 cm)
Both lamps reflect the Seljuk aesthetic of blending practical objects with symbolic artistry. Birds, common symbols of transcendence and spiritual ascent, serve here as guardians of light, suggesting the divine nature of illumination in Islamic thought. The combination of avian motifs with calligraphy situates these vessels firmly within the Seljuk tradition of objects that are both functional and richly allegorical.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s
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#195920
- Condition: larger has had handle reattached with adhesive visible. More petite has stable fissure to base with possible repair. Both have weathering top surface with some small chips, nicks, and abrasions, but otherwise nice presentations with good remaining detail and earthen encrustations and patina throughout.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |