Candlestick

Object Details

• Label

  This monumental candlestick is a tour de force of Persian metalwork technique. Except for a cylindrical piece between the socket and the neck, its form was constructed from a single sheet of brass that was hammered from both the front and the back. The relief decoration was also raised from the back in a technique known as repousse. Details were added to the surface by cutting grooves and recesses into the brass (chasing) and then inlaying them with pieces of copper and silver.

  The development of this form of surface decoration, which originated in eastern Iran during the twelfth century, was one of the most important technical and artistic achievements of the Seljuq period (1038-1194). It allowed for the transformation of brass vessels into luxury wares, which could then compete with the finest vessels fashioned in gold and silver.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)

  Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)

  Islamic Art (May 9, 1993 to June 3, 1997)

  Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art (September 27, 1985 to November 17, 1986)

  Near Eastern Metalwork (February 29, 1980 to March 3, 1980)

  Art of the Near East (August 21, 1977 to December 14, 1979)

  Near Eastern Art (June 15, 1973 to May 7, 1975)

  2500 Years of Persian Art—Calligraphy (February 10, 1972 to June 15, 1973)

  Near Eastern Art--Calligraphy (August 18, 1967 to February 10, 1972)

  Special Exhibition Afghanistan (September 3, 1963 to June 5, 1964)

  Near Eastern Art (January 1, 1963 to August 18, 1967)

  Special Exhibition of Persian Art (May 1, 1960 to August 11, 1961)

  Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 6 and 7 (February 25, 1956 to April 10, 1962)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts, 1955 (April 12, 1955 to December 16, 1955)

  Special Exhibition, Near Eastern Art (September 15, 1953 to February 9, 1954)

  Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Arts, 1947 (October 6, 1947 to February 25, 1956)

• Origin

  Afghanistan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Furniture and Furnishing

• On View

  Freer Gallery 03: Engaging the Senses

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1100s, 1200s

• Place

  Afghanistan

• Topic

  Hammering, Cats, Art, Inlay (process), Animals, Brass (alloy), Arts of the Islamic World, Saljuq period (1037 - 1300), Chasing, Metal-work

• Culture

  Muslims

• Object Type

  Furniture, Furnishings

• On View

  Yes