ArtFire

This is a heavy bronze oil lamp with a place for one wick. It has been heavily used throughout the centuries until modern methods of lighting came to Afghanistan not so long ago. It is still oily and waxy, though I have owned it for over 30 years and have not used it. I collected it in Afghanistan in 1974.

In the 12th century, Afghanistan was not an autonomous state, but linked to the Persian Empire. The major language in Afghanistan is still Farsi, Persian. The proto Iranians, or precursors of the Persians, lived in those regions during the Bronze Age of Central Asia and began making their characteristic bronze ornaments such as compartmented stamp seals during that time, from 2500 BC to 1600 BC.

This particular piece of bronze was part of the lighting system of a building in the twelfth century in either a well to do person's home or in a public building. It is almost identical in design to 2 of the bronze oil lamps sold recently at auction (in a lot of 6 bronze oil lamps of various sizes and designs) for over $3,600.
Ref: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5306337

Such pieces date to the 1100s, per Christies, the world's foremost auction house. This one is designed to sit in a frame along with others like it in order to give off more light.

Measurements: 3 in diam. x 3.8 in length, including wick trough and handle. Wt: 4.3 ozs.

Bronze

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