A MINIATURE BRASS CANDLESTICK, MAMLUK FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET, EGYPT OR SYRIA, CIRCA 14TH/EARLY 15TH CENTURY |

splayed body with straight drip-pan and straight cylindrical neck, engraved with seated felines between a bouquet, two armorial blazons, birds on drip tray, with black compound

With some small dents, nicks and scratches, minor crack near rim, areas of black compound rubbed, as viewed.
"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."

The armorial blazons on either side of this candlestick's body indicate that it would have been produced for a specific, European patron. We know for example that the Medici family collected over one hundred pieces of both Islamic and imitation metalwork pieces, a few of which now remain in the Bargello museum, Florence (Florence 1981, p.3). The design of this candlestick follows the traditional Mamluk style with engraved decoration, pounced details that would have anchored silver inlay (or even just outlined to pretend that it was once silver-inlaid), and a black compound applied to the background to make the design stand out. Two candlesticks from late fourteenth/fifteenth century Egypt with a similar shape and characteristic flat drip-tray, are in the Keir collection (Fehervari 1976, nos. 159 & 160). The candlestick's unusually small size distinguishes it as a rare specimen.