Candlestick with Christian scenes

Dawud ibn Salama al-Mawsili
Syria, signed and dated 1248–49
Copper allow inlaid with silver, black paste
Musée du Louvre, Paris, on long-term loan from the Musée des arts décoratifs, Paris

This candlestick was made under the Muslim Ayyubid dynasty, which ruled Egypt, Syria, and the Palestine. The form and decorative technique of silver inlay is typical of Islamic art. But the candlestick has numerous Christian scenes and saints. The circles around the base show scenes from the life of Christ, including the Baptism, Presentation in the Temple, and Marriage of Cana.

Similar objects were made for the Ayyubid sultan, which shows the court’s interest in Christianity and the spirit of tolerance during the period.

The inscription on the base of the neck reads: “Work of Dāwud ibn Salāma al-Mawṣilī in the year 646, longevity, happiness, longevity, splendour, longevity, blessings, praise”.