Sotheby's International Auctions in London exhibits Egyptian bronze lamp holder

CAIRO – 10 May 2021: Sotheby's International Auctions in London exhibited a bronze lamp holder or incense burner from Egypt, dating back to the 10th - 12thcentury during an auction entitled "Arts of the Islamic world and India, including Luxury Carpets."

The holder’s price was estimated between £30,000 and £50,000, and it has not yet been sold at the auction.

This interesting lamp holder is decorated with openwork panels with words praising the prophet of Islam Mohammed [SAW]. 

Many oil lamps were actually used as incense burners, and some were designed to carry out both functions at the same time. Openwork ornamentation is suitable for such pieces, for crossing light and fragrant smoke.

It is worth noting that Sotheby's previously sold three huge Ottoman-style cases, dating back to the 17th century. The huge cases were estimated to be between £80,000 and £120,000, but they were sold for £107,000.

The manuscript consists of 15 lines written in long Kufic script in dark brown ink, with diacritical marks in red and green dots and inverted gold dividers outlined in dark brown. The headings of the surahs in gold are outlined in dark brown ink and are framed.