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, Iranexpand_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.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back back
Details
Title
Candle Holder
Role
Artist
Accession Number
29.17.3
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

800px

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

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

Error loading high resolution image. Report this problem.