SOLD Superb Quality Authentic Antique, Medieval Islamic, cast bronze oil lamp,. Khorasan Seljuk/Seljuq Turks, Period 12th. Century A.D. (6th century AH “Hijri”).

The body, of pear shape, on a spreading round stepped pedestal, decorated on the center with finely hand chased medallions depicting a winged mythical beast, "harpy", with a crowned woman's head and bird's body; the face with fine features; the body rounded with peltoid tail .The medallion is flanked on one side with chased figure of mythical animal with, cast in relief, a protruding lion head and long massive fury tail. The other side decorated with oval panel of reserved arabesque decoration. The handle formed as a loop with integral bird perched above; the discus with keyhole-shaped void, surrounded by panels with text in calligraphic Arabic Kufic script, hinged lid, engraved with a band of scrolling vine and surmounted by finial. The foot of the pedestal ornamented with a band of finely chased calligraphic Arabic Kufic script.

CONDITION: in very good condition, considering its age of more than 800 years, with no restorations or repairs, showing the age and usage with beautiful patina.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length: 16.3 cm (6 3/8 in).

Height of lamp, including bird finial on the handle: 17 cm (6.69 inches).

This is one of the best examples of this type of Seljuk bronze lamp which can be found, including Museums' collections.

To see similar lamps to this, in the most important world museums,please see the links below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lseco/9078082294/

http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/451183

http://islamic-arts.org/2011/smithsonian-metalwork-collection/

The Seljuqs, a Turkic dynasty of Central Asian nomadic origins, became the new rulers of the eastern Islamic lands following their defeat of the powerful Ghaznavids at the Battle of Dandanakan (1040). By 1055, the Seljuqs had reached and taken over Baghdad, which put an end to Buyid rule, and established themselves as the new protectors of the Abbasid caliphate and Sunni Islam. Within fifty years, the Seljuqs created a vast though relatively short-lived empire, encompassing all of Iran, Iraq, and much of Anatolia. By the close of the eleventh century, as the Seljuq realm became troubled due to internal conflicts and the division of the realm among heirs, the empire dissolved into separate territories governed by different branches of the dynasty. The main branch of the Seljuq house, the so-called Great Seljuqs, maintained control over Iran. Under the Seljuq sultanate, Iran enjoyed a period of material and cultural prosperity, and the ingenuity in architecture and the arts during this period had a notable impact on later artistic developments.

SOLD Antique Medieval Islamic Seljuk Seljuq Turks Bronze Oil Lamp Khorasan 12th Century A.D. (6th century AH)