probably 16th century
Iran
Object qualities
-
Objectinterior decoration: Lamp stand
-
Type of arts & crafts
-
MediumBrass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound
-
SizeH. 11 7/8 in. (30.1 cm) Diam. of base: 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm) Diam. of rim: 4 in. (10.2 cm)
-
Geography detailsAttributed to
Iran -
Country today
-
Dateprobably 16th century
Source of information
-
Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
-
Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
-
The verses inscribed around this lamp stand embody spiritual metaphors comparing the beloved to a candle and the lover to a moth attracted to its light. The verse by an unidentified poet encircling the middle portion of the stand reads:
I said to the candle: “What is this moth around your face?”
It said: “I am the sultan of beauty—what is the desire of the moth?”