Embossed Candlestick

Unknown

12th century · Stonepaste; applied decoration, monochrome painted under turquoise glaze · Islamic Art

While metal candlesticks with sloping sides and rosette knobs were fairly common in the twelfth century, this ceramic version is rare, and shows an interesting innovation to create the same decorative effect. Whereas the rosettes on the metal candlesticks were created by hammering out the surface of the object from the interior (the repoussé technique), here the effect was created by attaching separate ceramic knobs to the candlestick surface. This object was found in one of the upper levels of the mosque in the Tepe Madrasa area, and was probably used next to the mihrab.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Stonepaste; applied decoration, monochrome painted under turquoise glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1939