Near East, Persia (Iran), Nishapur area, ca. late 10th century to early 13th century CE. A splendid pottery oil lamp in the distinctive Nishapur style, glazed in a beautiful, iridescent hue of turquoise blue. The pinched top bowl, with its narrow spout for a wick, sits atop a long, thin neck over a lower bowl with a slightly raised rim. A thin, strap handle descends from top to bottom. The body of this lamp is made of finely ground quartz mixed with clay; this created a white surface on which the artists could paint designs directly. The glaze is alkaline, with a copper base to give it its color, and would be poured over the clay. These pieces may have been inspired by the blue and white glazed pottery that travelled the Silk Road from Tang Dynasty China, but the end result here is clearly not an imitation, but an entirely different, radical style developed in Nishapur. Size: 2.8" W x 3.3" H (7.1 cm x 8.4 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dr. Edward Joseph collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177805

Some minor chips to rim, as well as expected nicks and abrasions to surface. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely craquelure to glaze and old collection labels on base.