Publication Date
Period 658-709/1260-1309
Publication Place
-
Victoria and Albert Museum
Subject
Yellow brass inlaid with silver.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 35.7 سم؛ القطر 32.4 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
M.716–1910
Record ID
object;ISL;uk;Mus02;23;ar
Library Location
Victoria and Albert Museum
Date
Period 658-709/1260-1309
Notes
A brass candlestick with a traditional shape. Most of the surface areas, including the neck, shoulder and body, have been inlaid with silver. The main decoration consists of a wonderful engraving in large, flowing script: “What was made in the drawing of the high servant, the Mawlawi, the emiri, the pillar, Rukn al-Din Muhammad Qartai al-Baghdadi.” The inscription is interspersed with three medallions with wavy edges extending along the entire height of the body, including strange designs in which twisted branches emerge from a pattern resembling a face, and birds, animals, and masks at their ends. The ground behind the inscription and medallions is made of leafy arabesque. The neck is decorated with a miniature version of the medallions found on the body, and the upper frame is a repeat of the inscription. The candlestick was re-silvered at some point in its history, giving it a luster and a newer appearance than most candlesticks from this period. A later owner also engraved an inscription in Armenian on the top of the body of the candlestick. Although it is difficult to read what is inscribed, it could be, “This candlestick is in memory of Timar, the brave son of Mektrish, who Give it to the Mother of God.” Although both Timar and the church to which the menorah was given are unknown, this latest inscription gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of this beautiful piece.
Sample Text
Barry Wood “Candlestick” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;uk;Mus02;23;ar
