Candlestick with Figural Imagery

Candlestick

This highly unusual nine-sided candlestick bears among its decoration the representation of a figure from the Shahnama. On one of its lower facets can be seen Faridun, who carried an ox-headed mace in memory of the cow whose milk had nourished him.

The other eight lower facets bear three enthroned figures, two falconers, two horsemen hunting real and fantastic animals, and a polo player. The smaller upper facets also bear three enthroned figures as well as three musicians and three figures seated on folding campstools. A band of human-headed pseudo-Kufic script frames the faceted section above and below.

As is typical for Persian inlaid metalwork of the Ilkhanid period. the inlay is attached to the surface by means of an engraved, dotted line into which the precious metal is forced.

The drip pan on this candlestick is a restoration.

Marilyn Jenkins in [Berlin 1981]

Inscription: Inscribed: in Arabic on lower border, top of base, and neck:
To its owner happiness, security and longevity as long as a pigeon coos. May he remain in the shadow of sovereignty achieving his purpose and I wish that his life will be long and glory unmarred by contempt and prosperity to the Day of Judgment and assurance on the prosperity for as long as you wish and...along the days.
Translation by Yassir al-Tabba (1978)

The name of the owner in thultuh script appears as:
یحیی ابن علي راجح

And some words most of which are unreadable ending with the words:
... المولوي العا ...
A.Ghouchani , 2010

Edward C. Moore (American), New York (until d. 1891; bequeathed to MMA)

Berlin. Museum für Islamische Kunst, Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. "The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the M.M.A.," June 15, 1981–August 8, 1981, no. 40.

New York. The Hagop Kevorkian Special Exhibitions Gallery, New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Riding Across Central Asia: Images of the Mongolian Horse in Islamic Art," April 26–November 12, 2000, no catalogue.

London. British Museum. "Ming: Courts and Contacts 1400–1450," September 18, 2014–January 4, 2015.

"Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York." In The Arts of Islam. Berlin, 1981. no. 40, pp. 110–11, ill. (color).