Socket for tent pole, cylindrical with trumpet base; incised decoration of flowers and palmettes; inscription around neck. Candlestick holder, cast brass with bronze inlay.

Candle Holder, 17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Brass with silver inlayexpand_more

Gift of Miss Lily Placeexpand_more  29.17.3

Not on Viewexpand_more

Of typical Safavid (1502-1722) shape, this cylindrical, brass candlestick is embellished with geometric ground patterns, arabesques, and bands of poetic nasta'liq script in silver inlay. While the surface decoration of Safavid metalwork owes much to earlier Timurud (c. 1375-1500) styles, the shape of this tall, cylindrical candlestick was a Safavid development. Candleholders of this size were commonly used in mosques. Although they produced functional objects, the technical virtuosity and refined aesthetics of the Persian metalworkers have transformed the most useful items into works of art.

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Details
Title
Candle Holder
Role
Artist
Accession Number
29.17.3
Curator Approved

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Socket for tent pole, cylindrical with trumpet base; incised decoration of flowers and palmettes; inscription around neck. Candlestick holder, cast brass with bronze inlay.