http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/44112/fullPierced Copper Hanging Lamp with Thuluth Script19th - 20th centuryOverall: 14 x 18 1/2 in. (35.6 x 47cm)Copper alloy plated with white metal, probably silverCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art54.59.21The South Asian gallery is illuminated by 4 pierced, copper alloy hanging lamps. Each is suspended from three chains with four cast medallion-shaped spacers. The pieced body of the lamps are divided into three bands. The uppermost band is encircled with a zig zag pattern. The central band is inscribed in Arabic in thuluth script with the honorifics of a Mamluk sultan. The bottom band is lined with rosebud motifs. The base of the lamps also contain inscriptions, encircled with zig zag patterns.
These lamps were created in the 1800s and 1900s during the rule of the Ottoman empire. This style, known as “Mamluk Revival,” recalls the arts of the Mamluk dynasty in Egypt and Syria (1250–1517 CE). Metalworking of the Mamluk period was characterized by large, broad inscriptions, flowing arabesques, and floral ornamentation inspired by Ilkhanid and Chinese imports.
Metalwork35.56000000001648355441