Church Oil Lamp

A silver oil lamp preserved from the Church of St George of the Hill, with intricate pierced decoration, from an Asia Minor silversmith’s workshop of the early 20th century. The cylindrical body is formed with openwork vegetal ornament (vine leaves, palmettes, and spiral motifs), a technique that allows ventilation for the flame.
The lid—removable and also pierced—is secured with three small chains, a characteristic form for liturgical vessels in Greek Orthodox churches of Asia Minor. The base is simply cut and smooth, indicating handmade finishing.
Its preservation attests to the deep connection of the people of Alaya with ecclesiastical life and to the quality of local gold- and silversmithing workshops.
This particular lamp was a votive offering for a safe childbirth by the Alaya family of Efstathios Nouveloglou and was placed before the icon of St George.
Kindly made available for photography by a great-grandson, Giorgos Nouveloglou.