Description:

 A PIERCED STEEL CALLIGRAPHIC-INSCRIBED CANDLESTICK, SAFAVID, PERSIA, 16TH/17TH CENTURY
Persia, Safavid dynasty, 16th–17th century

Description:
A rare Safavid-period candlestick, finely crafted from steel and elaborately pierced with flowing thuluth inscriptions in Arabic, likely comprising invocations or benedictory phrases. The broad, flaring body features an openwork calligraphic band interspersed with arabesque scrolls, bordered by engraved vegetal decoration. The cylindrical neck and nozzle are similarly adorned with incised motifs and epigraphic bands. The patinated steel bears a warm, darkened tone consistent with age and oxidation.

Dimensions: 20cm

Safavid steelwork is most commonly associated with arms and armor, making such domestic or ceremonial objects exceptionally rare. The calligraphic decoration suggests it was a luxury object, likely commissioned by or for an elite patron, and possibly used in a religious or high-status domestic context.

Comparable examples:

  • A Safavid bronze candlestick with similar calligraphic decoration, 17th century, sold at Sotheby’s, London, 22 April 2015, Lot 198, for £10,625.

  • A Safavid brass candlestick with pierced inscription, attributed to Isfahan, late 16th century, sold at Christie’s, London, 7 October 2010, Lot 170, for £9,375.

  • A pierced steel incense burner with thuluth script, Safavid Iran, dated 17th century, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 25 October 2022, Lot 153, for £11,475.

Note:
Objects like this candlestick represent the refined metalworking tradition of Safavid Iran, where artisans elevated steel beyond martial purposes into artistic and devotional realms. The pierced script not only showcases the technical virtuosity of the craftsman but also allows light to filter through, casting shadowed inscriptions — an evocative interplay of material and meaning.

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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Bid Increments
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£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000