Candlestick

Art Historical Context

This elegant brass candlestick, crafted in the first half of the 14 century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Islamic metalworking artistry from the medieval Islamic world. Standing 13 inches tall with a broad base of 11⅛ inches in diameter, it was designed to hold a candle securely, likely for illuminating grand mosques, palaces, or scholarly gatherings. The unknown artisan's mastery shines through the intricate silver inlays— a technique known as damascening or koftgari—where fine silver wires were hammered into meticulously engraved brass surfaces, creating shimmering patterns that catch the lig...