Artwork Page for Mosque Lamp

Details / Information for Mosque Lamp

Mosque Lamp

late 1800s

France

Medium
glass with enameled and gilded decoration
Measurements
Overall: 39.5 cm (15 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1981.10
Public Domain
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Location
116 Islamic
Print
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Did You Know?

This colorful lamp would have been suspended by its six handles. When lowered to refill its oil, it could stand securely on its splayed foot.

Description

In late 1800s Europe, there was a renewed interest in art from the Islamic world. Mosque lamps, made for Mamluk rulers and their high officials in the 1300s, were particularly prized. Phillippe-Joseph Brocard, a Parisian collector and craftsman, is renowned for reviving the Mamluk technique of enameling and gilding glass and produced many lamp reproductions. This lamp used to be in his collection and it is possible that it was made by him. The top Qur’anic inscription likens divine light to a shining glass lamp.
A dark brown glass lamp features a wide flared neck, bulbous body with six small handles, and a pedestal foot. The exterior is covered in enameled and gilded decoration. Bold blue Arabic calligraphy wraps around the neck and midsection, set against intricate gold floral scrollwork. Circular medallions with cup blazons appear throughout. Small red, green, and white leaf motifs accent the rims, while white enamel outlines the upper script.

Mosque Lamp

late 1800s

France

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