Developed in Eastern Iran in the late 11th century, the technique of silver inlaid brass spread all over the Islamic world. The polychrome effects of the silver inlay and the golden brass were highlighted by a black paste. The ornamentation is composed of calligraphy and roundels with geometric designs and human figures, set on a scrolling foliage.
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Artwork Details
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Title:Candle Stick
Date:14th century
Geography:Attributed to Iran
Medium:Brass; engraved and inlaid with silver
Dimensions:H. 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm) Diam. 10 3/16 in. (25.9 cm)
Classification:Metal
Credit Line:Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number:91.1.529
Inscription: Inscriptions in Arabic on the neck, in the medallions, and on the body: Translation of inscription on the neck: "Glory, Triumph, Prosperity, Fortune, Favors, Fortune, Favors (perpetual Glory, Triumph, Prosperity)" In the medallions: "Be joyful King, the Possessor of Happiness, Salutations and perpetual Glory to the Lord" On the body: "Glory to our Lord, the greatest King, the great Sultan, the Wise, the Just, the Victorious, the Fighter for the Faith, the Warrior of Islam, the Generous"
Translations by Yassir al-Tabba:
-main inscription: "Glory to our master, the mighty king, the exalted sultan, the wise , the just, the victorious, the fighter for the faith, the warrior, the dignified";
-top of neck: "Glory, victory, prosperity, good luck, bounty, and virtues";
-base of neck: "Continuous glory, victory, prosperity, bounty, and virtues".
2- In naskhi script: العز الدائم/ النصر و[ا]لا/قبال و النعم/ والافضال
3- In thultuth script: العز لمولا / الغا[ز]ي الما ا/ الصاحب سعادة/ السلام طول
4- In thuluth script: لولانا الملک [ا]لا/عظم [ا]لسلطان المعظم/ العالم العادل المظفر/ المجاهد المرابط المکرم
Edward C. Moore (American), New York (until d. 1891; bequeathed to MMA)
Bloomington. Indiana University. "Islamic Art Across the World," June 18, 1970–October 1, 1970, no. 273.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Calligraphy West of China," March 15–May 7, 1972, no catalogue.
Bowie, Theodore Robert. "An Exhibition Prepared by Theodore Bowie." In Islamic Art Across the World. Vol. no. 1970/3. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Art Museum, June 17 to Oct. 1, 1970. no. 273, p. 74, ill.
Aanavi, Don. "Western Islamic Art." Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin vol. 27, no. 3 (November 1968). p. 202, ill. (b/w).
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The Met's collection of Islamic art is one of the most comprehensive in the world and ranges in date from the seventh to the twenty-first century. Its more than 15,000 objects reflect the great diversity and range of the cultural traditions from Spain to Indonesia.
