A Khurasan candelabra and lamp with openwork decoration, 12th century

constructed in interlocking sections, comprising a domed tripod base with pierced interlace supported on low decorative feet, a central cylindrical shaft pierced with interlacing strapwork with a pierced globular bulb at each end, surmounted by a flat tray and corresponding lamp with inscriptive band at the base

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

al-baraka wa al-yumn wa al-surur wa al-sa'ada wa al-salama wa al-dawla wa al-ni'ma...baraka al-baqa al-baraka wa nasr wa surur wa al-sala [ma]...baraka wa al-baqa...al-baraka wa al-yumn

'Blessing and Good-fortune and Joy and Happiness and Well-being and Wealth and (God's) Grace...Blessing and Long-life and (God's) Help and Joy and Well-being...Blessing and Long-life...Blessing and Long-life'

On the shaft (pierced):

bi'l-yumn wa al-baraka/ al-baraka al-su [rur]

'With Good-fortune and Blessing, Blessing and Joy'

In narrow bank, repetition of:

bi'l-yumn wa al-daw [la]

'With Good-Fortune and Blessing and Wealth'

Whilst lampstands or cheraghdans such as this originated in the earlier Byzantine period (prototypes are to be found in Coptic metalwork, for instance), their beauty and ornament was amplified by the Persian artisans of the Medieval age.

Although the early Persian lampstands were cruder, being flat-based and made of ceramic, boasting comparatively little decoration (see Metalwork in Medieval Islamic Art, New York, 1983, p.12), later examples such as this demonstrate the technical and stylistic zenith of the Khurasani metalworking tradition.  The finest examples have a perforated body and other features such as zoomorphic bases and lamp elements typical of Khurasan metalwork. 

A similar piece to this example was sold in these rooms 24 October 2007, lot 99.  A related example is in the Linden-Museum Stuttgart (see Die Gärten des Islam, Stuttgart, 1993, abb.86, S.87).

This lot comes with a full metallurgical report from Dr Peter Northover of the University of Oxford.