Candlestick
Unknown Artist
first half 14th century
Medium
Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver
Dimensions
H. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm) W. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 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
91.1.583a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant brass candlestick, crafted by an unknown artist in the half of the 14 century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Islamic metalworking artistry. Standing at 10 3/4 inches tall and 8 3/4 inches wide, it hails from the Mamluk period—likely Egypt or Syria— such objects illuminated homes, mosques, and palaces, blending utility with opulent decoration. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, it the collection through the Edward C. Moore bequest in 1891. The candlestick's surface is masterfully engraved with intricate motifs—typical of Mamluk style, featuring ar...