MEDIEVAL GLASS CEILING LAMP
Christian Middle Ages
MEDIEVAL GLASS CEILING LAMP
Blown glass.
Height: 10 cm. Maximum diameter: 14.5 cm. Base diameter: 3.7 cm.
Late Medieval Christian. 15th century.
Origin
Alcázar, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz.
Description
This blown glass lamp in soft green tones was filled with oil, and had a small wick on a cork. It was used in the same method as lamps today known as “butterfly lamps”. It was hung from the ceiling or a metal structure by fine chains threaded into the three small handles at the body's base. This object was found during excavations inside the Baroque palace located within the Alcázar, which was built on the same spot as the 15th century medieval palace. It belongs to the periods of Enrique IV or the Catholic Kings, judging by the collection of ceramics found alongside it. However, we can also date this type of hanging lamp back to at least the 12th century thanks to depictions in illuminated manuscripts.
Bibliography
- Unknown
