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Embossed Candlestick

12th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
While metal candlesticks with sloping sides and rosette knobs were fairly common in the twelfth century, this ceramic version is rare, and shows an interesting innovation to create the same decorative effect. Whereas the rosettes on the metal candlesticks were created by hammering out the surface of the object from the interior (the repoussé technique), here the effect was created by attaching separate ceramic knobs to the candlestick surface. This object was found in one of the upper levels of the mosque in the Tepe Madrasa area, and was probably used next to the mihrab.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Embossed Candlestick
  • Date: 12th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, Nishapur. Excavated in Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Stonepaste; applied decoration, monochrome painted under turquoise glaze
  • Dimensions: H. 7 11/16 in. (19.5 cm)
    Diam. 11 13/16 in. (30 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.40.107
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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