Votive Oil Lamp c. 1200

This 13th-century ceramic oil lamp, crafted by an anonymous artist, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of its time. The piece, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases a vibrant blue glaze that has aged beautifully, showcasing a mottled, almost turquoise quality. The lamp's design is simple and functional, consisting of a round reservoir for oil and a spout for the wick, all balanced upon a circular base. The lamp's small size, measuring just over 4 inches in diameter, suggests a personal use, perhaps for devotional practices. The lamp's weathered glaze provides a subtle historical texture, a testament to its long life and usage in a bygone era.