Collection
/
Arts of the Islamic World

Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts

first half of the 14th century

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

This candlestick bears lengthy Arabic inscriptions that offer good wishes for the fame and long life of the user. The inscriptions are in three styles of Arabic script: the largest band, on the body of the base, is in graceful Thuluth script. A smaller band in Naskh decorates the top rim, while the more angular Kufic script runs around the neck. All of these are embellished with floral elements, most of which were inlaid with silver. Such luxurious metalwares were popular in the aristocratic homes, palaces, and mosques of the Mamluk dynasty, which ruled Egypt and the Levant from 1250 to 1517.

The name Sahib ‘Ali ibn Ishaq is inscribed in very loose script, twice, near the top of the base: this was probably the name of a later owner of the piece, as the inscription is clearly not part of the original decoration.

Caption

Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts, first half of the 14th century. Copper alloy, punched, engraved, and inlaid with silver, 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm) diameter: 11 in. (27.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.227.197. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.227.197_PS2.jpg)

Title

Candlestick with Arabic Inscriptions in Thuluth, Naskh, and Kufic Scripts

Date

first half of the 14th century

Dynasty

Mamluk

Period

Mamluk Period

Medium

Copper alloy, punched, engraved, and inlaid with silver

Classification

Vessel

Dimensions

11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm) diameter: 11 in. (27.9 cm)

Inscriptions

The Arabic inscription on the base of this candlestick reads, "Perpetual glory and prosperity and long life to you, O great master [of] long lived fame. Fame and glory and long life. Nobility everlasting." An abbreviated inscription appears above on the candlestick's socket: "Glory and prosperity and and [sic] long life to you, O great master of long-lived fame."

Credit Line

Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

Accession Number

86.227.197

Rights

Creative Commons-BY

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Frequent Art Questions

  • What is this?

    This is a brass candlestick made during the Mamluk period in Egypt or Syria in the first half of the 14th century. It has inscriptions in three different Arabic scripts:
    The largest band of writing, on the body of the base, is in Thuluth script. A smaller band in Naskh decorates the top rim, while the more angular Kufic script runs around the neck.
    Calligraphy used as ornament is also a fundamental element of Islamic art. The Arabic inscription on the base of this candlestick reads, "Perpetual glory and prosperity and long life to you, O great master [of] long lived fame. Fame and glory and long life. Nobility everlasting."

  • I'm looking at what appears to be a large gold cover, it reminds me of a bell; what is it and what does it say?

    This sounds like the Mamluk-period candle stick! It would have held a large candle in the socket at the top.
    Wow! I never would have thought. Thank you.
    The largest inscription, the one around the base translates to: "Perpetual glory and prosperity and long life to you, O great master [of] long lived fame. Fame and glory and long life. Nobility everlasting."
    The inscription on the socket reads: "Glory and prosperity and and [sic] long life to you, O great master of long-lived fame."

  • Where is this from?

    We believe it was made in either Egypt or Syria. Based on its inscription we know that this candlestick comes from the 14th century in the Mamluk sultanate.
    At that time, the Mamluks controlled Egypt, the Syria-Palestine region, and much of Arabia. Major art production centers were in Egypt and Syria.
    Thank you.

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