Lot 165
  • 165

A rare early glass mosque lamp, Syria, 12th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • glass
free-blown from pale green glass with applied decoration, the compressed globular body on a raised foot with pontil and a straight flaring neck forming a wide mouth with two blue trailed lines below the rim, the shoulder with six applied suspension loops in alternating pale green and pale blue trails, below each of the loops is an applied circular disc, five discs pressed with a pattern of raised nodules, one disc pressed with an inscription, the interior with a tubular wick-holder

Condition

the piece has been carefully reconstructed from fragments and is irridesced due to long-term exposure, the restoration has been carried out skillfully so it is difficult to distinguish between original and minor areas of infill which are expertly colour-matched and blended, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

Possibly:  'Mansur bin Ja'far'

This glass mosque lamp reveals a rare example of early glass craftsmanship, particularly as it has been stamped with a signature along one of the hooks to its body (see illustrated detail). A closely related, but fragmentary, example, attributed to Syria in the twelfth century, is now in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (see Carboni 2001, pp.166-167, no.38c). A comparable glass lamp sold in these rooms, 9 April 2008, lot 97.