Work of Art DetailsCandlestick Base Description: Throughout Islamic history, sultans, princes, and court officials have been active art patrons. This impressive candlestick base was commissioned by Zayn al-Din Kitbugha, who served as "saqi," or cupbearer, at the court of the Mamluk Dynasty in Egypt before ascending the throne in 1294. The large inscription in "thuluth" script around the candlestick's body is punctuated by roundels featuring a stemmed cup, Kitbugha's blazon, or heraldic shield. Calligraphy is also a major decorative element. In addition to the large "thuluth" inscription, this piece includes different sizes and styles of Arabic script. Despite its elaborate design, Kitbugha had the candlestick made for use in his household storeroom or pantry. Artist: Anonymous (Egyptian) Inscriptions & Markings: [Transcription] Inscribed base and neck: Zayn al-Din Kitbugha; [Translation] Inscribed base in thuluth script: This is one of the things made for the servery of the lofty authority, the lordly, the great amir, the conqueror, the holy warrior, the just, al-Zayni, Zayn al-Din Kitbugha al-Mansuri al-Ashrafi (of the households of the sultans Qalawun and Khalil) Script: Thuluth style Culture: Egyptian-Islamic Period: Mamluk; Bahri Dynasty: Bahri Dynasty (AD 1250-1382) Reign: Zayn al-Din Kitbugha (AD 1294-1296) Country: Egypt Style: Mamluk Language: Arabic Provenance: Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1925, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest. Credit Line: Acquired by Henry Walters, 1925 |
