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

first half of the 14th century

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.