Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam at the University of Michigan

Although fractured in several areas, this footed ceramic oil lamp clearly had more than one spout. These multiple spouts would have allowed for several wicks to be lit simultaneously, increasing the light emitted from the lamp. The bulbous body would have been filled with oil, poured into the tall funnel-like opening at the top of the lamp. The turquoise glaze is rather typical of ceramic oil lamps that were found in Fustat (medieval Cairo).

Bibliography: Kubiak 1970.