A Fatimid bronze incense burner or oil lamp, Egypt, 10th-12th century
Auction Closed
March 31, 12:40 PM GMT
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
the bronze body on four curved legs, with three spouts corresponding shaped hinged lid, ring-handle to rear, with tall openwork neck carved with foliate Kufic inscriptions along three walls
20.5 by 10 by 15.5cm.
Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World, Focus-Abengoa Foundation, Seville, 25 October 2013 - 9 February 2014; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, 30 March 2014 - 29 June 2014.
S. Al Khemir, Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World, Focus-Abengoa Foundation, 2014, p.52, fig.29.
inscriptions
'Muhammad is Blessed by Allah' in seven columns of calligraphy, also with: 'Allah', 'Ali', 'Muhammad'
In the exhibition catalogue Light, Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World in which this lamp is described, Sabiha Al Khemir notes that "this very interesting lamp which probably comes from the Maghreb or Egypt is decorated with openwork featuring the phrase: "Salla Allah 'ala Muhammad" (God's blessings upon Muhammad). Many oil lamps where in fact also used as incense burners, and some were designed to function as both at the same time. Openwork decoration is suitable for such pieces, as both light and scented smoke find their way out" (S. Al Khemir, Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World, Focus-Abengoa Foundation, 2014, p.53).
This lot is accompanied by a metallographic report in which samples from sections of the calligraphy and base of one of the legs were analysed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) and a polarizing light microscope (PLM) confirming long term natural corrosion process, consistent with a date in the Fatimid Period.
'Muhammad is Blessed by Allah' in seven columns of calligraphy, also with: 'Allah', 'Ali', 'Muhammad'
In the exhibition catalogue Light, Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World in which this lamp is described, Sabiha Al Khemir notes that "this very interesting lamp which probably comes from the Maghreb or Egypt is decorated with openwork featuring the phrase: "Salla Allah 'ala Muhammad" (God's blessings upon Muhammad). Many oil lamps where in fact also used as incense burners, and some were designed to function as both at the same time. Openwork decoration is suitable for such pieces, as both light and scented smoke find their way out" (S. Al Khemir, Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World, Focus-Abengoa Foundation, 2014, p.53).
This lot is accompanied by a metallographic report in which samples from sections of the calligraphy and base of one of the legs were analysed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) and a polarizing light microscope (PLM) confirming long term natural corrosion process, consistent with a date in the Fatimid Period.