Engraved Lamp Stand with Interlocking Circles

Unknown

probably 16th century · Brass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound · Islamic Art

The verses inscribed around this lamp stand embody spiritual metaphors comparing the beloved to a candle and the lover to a moth attracted to its light. The verse by an unidentified poet encircling the middle portion of the stand reads: I said to the candle: "What is this moth around your face?" It said: "I am the sultan of beauty—what is the desire of the moth?"

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably 16th century

Medium

Brass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889