Mosque Lamp for the Mausoleum of Amir Aydakin al-'Ala'i al-Bunduqdar

Unknown

shortly after 1285 · Glass; blown, folded foot, applied handles, enameled, and gilded · Islamic Art

This lamp’s inscriptions reveal that it was ordered for Aydakin’s mausoleum (turba), a building still standing in Cairo. Mamluk amirs adopted emblems, often connected with their ceremonial roles at court, which decorated the objects and buildings they commissioned. Here, the motif of two gold crossbows against a red shield illustrates the office of bunduqdar (bow‑keeper).

Artist

Unknown

Date

shortly after 1285

Medium

Glass; blown, folded foot, applied handles, enameled, and gilded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917