Candlestick
Unknown Artist
first half 14th century
Medium
Brass; originally inlaid with silver
Dimensions
H. 7 11/16 in. (19.5 cm) Diam. (rim of base) 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) Diam. (bottom of base) 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.522
Art Historical Context
This elegant brass candlestick, crafted by an unknown artist in the half of the 14 century, exemplifies the refined metalworking traditions of the medieval Islamic world. Standing just 7 11/16 inches tall with a sturdy base expanding to 8 1/16 inches at the bottom, it was originally adorned with silver inlays, a luxurious technique that enhanced its gleam and durability. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art Department, it entered the collection through the bequest of Edward C. Moore in 1891. The use of brass hammered and incised for silver inlay—known as damascening—highlights t...