A RARE KHORASSAN BRONZE LAMP IN THE FORM OF A RABBIT

NORTH EAST IRAN, 12TH CENTURY

Details

A RARE KHORASSAN BRONZE LAMP IN THE FORM OF A RABBIT
NORTH EAST IRAN, 12TH CENTURY
The rabbit stylistically formed with long ears, a pronounced nose, and short recurving tail, with two spouts issuing from the forelegs, and one beneath the tail, the back of the head with a band of openwork geometric and palmette design, a drop shaped hole to the back, the head separate and joined with a bayonet joint, some areas of corrosion, the majority of the surface with a rich red patina, good condition
10in. (25.5cm.) high

Provenance

Formerly UK private collection since 1970s from whom acquired by present owner

Brought to you by

Andrew Butler-Wheelhouse

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abutler-wheelhouse@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2374

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Lot Essay

This rabbit shaped oil lamp is a very rare combination of a very expressive zoomorphic shape with multiple spouts. Other known examples from Khorassan include a bronze lion with three protruding spouts, (Sotheby's, 14 October 1999, lot 91). That lion-shaped oil lamp also had prancing feet with accentuated ankles brought close to the ground. A hare-shaped Khorassan oil lamp with multiple spouts in a private collection has very similar pointed triangular ears and pronounced nose. Our rabbit-shaped lamp has a forward facing head in a more striking and alert pose. The slim gently curved legs and the elegantly rounded body of our rabbit are testament to the skill of this well established metalworking tradition. The refined nature of these zoomorphic shapes from Khorassan can also be seen in a superb lion-shaped incense burner sold in these Rooms, 6 October, 2009, lot 21.

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