Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts
Arts of the Islamic World
This candlestick bears lengthy Arabic inscriptions that offer good wishes for the fame and long life of the user. The inscriptions are in three styles of Arabic script: the largest band, on the body of the base, is in graceful Thuluth script. A smaller band in Naskh decorates the top rim, while the more angular Kufic script runs around the neck. All of these are embellished with floral elements, most of which were inlaid with silver. Such luxurious metalwares were popular in the aristocratic homes, palaces, and mosques of the Mamluk dynasty, which ruled Egypt and the Levant from 1250 to 1517.
The name Sahib ‘Ali ibn Ishaq is inscribed in very loose script, twice, near the top of the base: this was probably the name of a later owner of the piece, as the inscription is clearly not part of the original decoration.
The name Sahib ‘Ali ibn Ishaq is inscribed in very loose script, twice, near the top of the base: this was probably the name of a later owner of the piece, as the inscription is clearly not part of the original decoration.
MEDIUM
Copper alloy, punched, engraved, and inlaid with silver
DATES
first half of the 14th century
DYNASTY
Mamluk
PERIOD
Mamluk Period
DIMENSIONS
11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm)
diameter: 11 in. (27.9 cm) (show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS
The Arabic inscription on the base of this candlestick reads, "Perpetual glory and prosperity and long life to you, O great master [of] long lived fame. Fame and glory and long life. Nobility everlasting." An abbreviated inscription appears above on the candlestick's socket: "Glory and prosperity and and [sic] long life to you, O great master of long-lived fame."
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Islamic World
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
EXHIBITIONS
ACCESSION NUMBER
86.227.197
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.
RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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CAPTION
Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts, first half of the 14th century. Copper alloy, punched, engraved, and inlaid with silver, 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.227.197. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.227.197_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 86.227.197_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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