Ca. AD 1100-1200. A bronze oil lamp features a flaring and concave foot, meticulously shaped to provide stability and ensure balance in its overall composition. Its round body, embellished with intricate chiselled patterns, showcases the fine attention to detail lavished upon this piece. The addition of a hinged lid further enhances both its practicality and visual allure. The rear handle of the lamp not only adds an element of elegance but also serves a functional purpose, facilitating effortless transportation of the lamp from one location to another. The arched spout, boasting an heart-shaped nozzle, serves as yet another testament to the exceptional skill and craftsmanship of the lamp's maker, demonstrating their ability to create aesthetically pleasing and technically precise features. Oil lamps, such as this exquisite example, held significant importance in both practical and symbolic realms. Widely used in homes, mosques, and other public spaces, these lamps provided essential illumination, dispelling darkness and creating an inviting ambiance. Beyond their utilitarian function, oil lamps were often elevated to objects of artistic expression, with intricate designs and ornate calligraphy adorning their surfaces. These decorative elements served as visual reminders of the religious and cultural values cherished during the lamp's time of creation, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions held by the communities that utilized them. Size: 195mm x 230mm ; Weight: 700g Provenance: Property of a London Islamic art specialist collector; previously in a collection formed since the 1980s.