Description
Mamluk candlestick, Egypt or Syria, mid-14th century Candlestick with truncated-conical body, concave shoulder and cylindrical neck in hammered copper alloy with repoussé decoration, engraved and partly inlaid with silver and black paste. The body features a monumental Arabic inscription in Thuluth calligraphy, a series of praises to an unnamed owner or sponsor: "The great universal prince, the just, [al-ghânim / the winner], the fighter, the supporter [of Islam], the most high master". On the shoulder, several friezes of engraved leafy foliage and on the neck, several circular medallions alternating a decoration of a palmiped surmounted by a bird of prey with outstretched wings and a decoration of a lotus flower in full bloom. The neck is surmounted by a later truncated cone-shaped spout engraved with decorative friezes. Height: 20.5 cm; base diameter: 21.4 cm Subsequent replacement of the bobèche, numerous inlay chips, accident at the top of the neck, stains and traces of oxidation, restorations at the base of the neck. This candlestick, which retains many remnants of silver inlay, is a fine example of 14th-century Mamluk production. Its shape and technique of manufacture and decoration are typical of the objects produced in the copperware workshops of Cairo and Damascus during this brilliant sultanate. In addition to the graceful Thuluth calligraphy on its body, some of its decorative motifs allow us to date it to the mid-14th century: such is the case of the lotus on the neck in medallions. This Asian flower made its appearance in Mamluk art during the 14th century, following a peace treaty signed in 1323 between Mamluks and Mongols. In addition, the treatment of scrolls garnished with bifid palmettes spread over the shoulder can be seen on several 14th-century pieces, such as the candlestick bearing the name of Emir Salar in the Musée du Louvre (AA 101) and basin OA 7433 in the same collection. Although the patron of this piece remains anonymous, the series of qualifiers running across the body of the candlestick betrays his high social standing. A Brass Mamluk candlestick, Egypt or Syria, mid-14th century
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Mamluk candlestick, Egypt or Syria, mid-14th century
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