900 - Decorated bronze oil lamp, Seljuk, 12th–13th century.

Decorated bronze oil lamp, Seljuk, 12th–13th century. Viewed from above, the lamp body is round, with high sides that curve sharply outward and merge at the front into a wide spout curved upward at an obtuse angle, featuring a ridge at the front and bottom. On the inwardly projecting rim of the spout, a grooved line runs along the edge of the opening, immediately followed by four perforations, between which are incised circular eyes. On the lamp body, coming from the back, is a ridge that spirals outward at the center of both sides into a spiral knob. Behind this knob on both sides is a rosette; in front of it are swirls; and between the swirls, behind the snout, is a teardrop-shaped ornament. Surrounding the oil-filling opening is a band of circular eyes set within slightly differently shaped polygons, framed by two ribs. The lid features a fully sculpted head of a big cat and a flared, smooth rim, secured by a jaw hinge. Soldered to the bottom is a tall, conical foot with an inward-curving wall and a strikingly flared rim. In the lower part of the foot is a band of arcs strung together, with a meander pattern below it. The handle, which was likely once soldered to the rear of the body, is not preserved; only the attachment point remains. Very beautiful, dark green patina, partially overlaid with minor incrustations. Length 12.6 cm. Height 10.5 cm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: From a private collection in the Rhineland, acquired from the father’s collection (estate), which he purchased in the 1960s–1980s on the German art market. Condition: II