Ceramic Mosque Lamp 15th century

This ceramic mosque lamp, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was crafted by Ibn al-Ghaibi al-Tabrizi. Notice how the lamp’s form is defined by strong, geometric sections, moving from its flared top, down to a bulbous body, and finally resting on a slender base. Calligraphic inscriptions in white scroll across the dark ground, creating a powerful interplay of figure and field. This contrast, combined with the strategic use of blue accents, structures the visual experience, guiding the eye through the lamp’s contours. The inscriptions themselves are not merely decorative, but act as signifiers, pointing towards the lamp’s intended function and cultural context. The patterns and arabesques that fill the background destabilize the clear distinction between text and ornamentation, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels of interpretation. The ceramic material, with its glazed finish, adds another layer to our understanding. It is a testament to the artist's technical skill and to a rich tradition of craftsmanship. The lamp challenges fixed notions of functionality by transcending its practical purpose to become a complex cultural artifact, laden with symbolism and meaning.