Lamp

Description Saucer-shaped lamps such as this have been used for illumination since ancient times. They were filled with sesame or mustard oil, and wicks were placed in the indentions of the rim. The introduction of kerosene lamps in the end of the 19th century made simple lamps such as this obsolete, although Yemeni Jews continued to use them as Sabbath lamps until the early 20th century.

Exhibitions

• Faces of Ancient Arabia: The Giraud and Carolyn Foster Collection of South Arabian Art. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2008.
• Diadem and Dagger: Jewish Artisans of Yemen. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2012-2013.

Provenance Ahmed [local dealer], Ta'izz, Yemen; Giraud and Carolyn Foster, Baltimore, 1962, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 2007, by gift.

Credit Gift of Giraud and Carolyn Foster, 2007