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Candlestick
Sa'd ibn 'Abd Allah
Iran (Fars province), 1343-53
Brass, inlaid with silver and gold
Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar
cat. 162
[click images for full object view] |
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This remarkable candlestick was made for Abu Ishaq
(reigned 1343-53)), a ruler of the Injuid dynasty that controlled
the southern Iranian province of Fars. It is noteworthy not only
for its intricate, highly accomplished craftsmanship but also for
the large, elaborate enthronement scenes encircling its base.
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| The silk tapestry to the right depicts a similar enthronement
scene, which also may have been based on a drawing. [click
images for full object views]
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Encircling the base of this candlestick are four large enthronement
scenes enclosed by medallions.
Two of the scenes depict the ruler seated on a throne supported
by lions and attended by members of his entourage. In one, he wears
an elaborate Mongol headdress composed of rounded owl feathers and
other, spikier plumage—probably eagle feathers. |
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| A third medallion shows a ruler and
his consort sharing a platformlike throne. The consort wears the
conical headdress reserved for Mongol noblewomen and known as a
bughtaq. |
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| In the fourth medallion the consort,
again wearing the bughtaq, is depicted alone on her throne.
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Arabic inscriptions set in cartouches
on the base are especially significant as they give the name and
titles of a member of the Injuid dynasty, Abu Ishaq (r.1343-53),
who succeeded his father, Mahmud Shah, as ruler of the Fars.
At the base of the socket is a diminutive inscription providing
other important information. It reads: "made by the feeble slave
Sa'd ibn 'Abd Allah." |
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