Description
Hispano-Moresque / Nasrid Dynasty Style Brass Lamp or Incense Burner Holder
Origin: Damascus, Syria or Cairo, Egypt
Period: Circa 1900 AD
Material: Brass with Silver Overlay
This exceptional Al-Andalus style brass lamp or incense burner holder is a stunning example of early 20th-century craftsmanship inspired by the Nasrid Dynasty. Crafted from pierced brass with delicate silver overlay, the piece is suspended by three double brass chains. The main container, shaped like an overturned faceted dome or six-sided pyramid, is adorned with intricate Arabic Thuluth script, floral patterns, and latticework inlaid with fine silver wires and sheets.
Historical and Artistic Significance:
This rare and exquisite lamp is believed to be a commissioned piece reflecting the Nasrid Dynasty’s iconic bronze lamp or incense burner holder currently housed at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid (Inventory No. 50519). The original artifact, dated to 705 AH (1305 AD), was created for Umayyad Caliph Mohammad III and was historically confiscated from the Mosque of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
The design similarities and craftsmanship between this piece and the original reinforce the belief that this lamp was inspired by the Nasrid period, albeit with slight modifications reflecting the evolving artistic influences of the time.
Arabic Inscriptions:
Main Triangular Brass Plates:
The six triangular brass plates bear large, bold Arabic Thuluth script, which reads:
“لا إله الا الله نور السماوات والأرض الملك الواحد الرحمن أرحم الراحمين الحي القدوس”
Transliteration: La Ilah Ila Allah Noor Al-Samawaat Wa Al-Arth Al-Malik Al-Wahid Al-Rahman Arham Al-Rahimeen Al-Hay Al-Quddous.
Translation: There is no God but Allah, the Light of the Heavens and the Earth, the One and Only King, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the Living, the Holy.
Upper Globular Suspensions (Naskh Script):
The four globular suspensions feature inscriptions glorifying the ruling Sultan, a tradition carried through the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman dynasties:
“عز لمولانا السلطان الملك الناصر العالم العادل الصادق العالي”
Transliteration: Aiz limulana al Sultan al-Malik al-Nasir al-Alim al-Adil al-Sadiq al-Ali.
Translation: Glory be to our Lord, the Sultan, the King, the Victorious, the Worldly, the Just, the Truthful, and the Exalted.
Dimensions:
- Height: 112 cm
- Width (at the widest point): 30 cm
Why This Piece Stands Out:
This lamp exemplifies the fusion of Hispano-Moresque and Mamluk design, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of Al-Andalus and the Islamic world. Its combination of intricate calligraphy, silver overlay, and historical references makes it a valuable addition to any collection of Islamic or Middle Eastern art.
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