DescriptionThe two gold crossbows addorsed against a red shield indicate that the patron of this lamp held the office of "bunduqdar" (Keeper of the Bow) under the Mamluk rule (1250-1517). The inscription states that the lamp was ordered for the mausoleum of "his excellency the bowkeeper of `Ala al-Din," thus identifying him with Aydakin ibn `Abd-Allah, who died in Cairo in 1285. Aydakin, who held various offices under the Mamluks (after 1250), maintained the emblem and "nisba" (form to express relationship with one's master) of his first appointment under the Ayyubid emir `Ala al-Din Aqsunqur until the end of his life.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: On neck and body: "That which was made for the tomb of the noble, the elevated, the Ala'i, the Keeper of the Bow, may Allah sanctify his soul." (Translation by Stefano Carboni in Glass of the Sultans, 2001, p. 228) On neck and body: "This is one of the objects made for the mausoleum of His High Excellency Ala' al-din the arquebusier, may God sanctify his soul." (Translation by L. A. Mayer in Saraceni heraldry, 1933, p. 84) - Transcription on catalogue card