<em>Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts</em>, 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)

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)

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What is this?

This is a brass candlestick made during the Mamluk period in Egypt or Syria in the first half of the 14th century. It has inscriptions in three different Arabic scripts:

The largest band of writing, on the body of the base, is in Thuluth script. A smaller band in Naskh decorates the top rim, while the more angular Kufic script runs around the neck.

Calligraphy used as ornament is also a fundamental element of Islamic art. 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."

I'm looking at what appears to be a large gold cover, it reminds me of a bell; what is it and what does it say?

This sounds like the Mamluk-period candle stick! It would have held a large candle in the socket at the top.

Wow! I never would have thought. Thank you.

The largest inscription, the one around the base translates to: "Perpetual glory and prosperity and long life to you, O great master [of] long lived fame. Fame and glory and long life. Nobility everlasting."

The inscription on the socket reads: "Glory and prosperity and and [sic] long life to you, O great master of long-lived fame."

Where is this from?

We believe it was made in either Egypt or Syria. Based on its inscription we know that this candlestick comes from the 14th century in the Mamluk sultanate.

At that time, the Mamluks controlled Egypt, the Syria-Palestine region, and much of Arabia. Major art production centers were in Egypt and Syria.

Thank you.

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.

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

Arts of Korea

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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