Candlestick

Company ledgers confirm that this modestly sized candlestick was not part of Tiffany’s usual repertoire of designs; it was a special order. The patron appears to have shared Moore’s affinity for the arts of the Islamic world. Its body, S-curve handle, and pierced base relate to Iranian or Indian water pipe (hookah) parts in Moore’s collection. The saz leaves and geometric cartouches with niello decoration unite motifs and techniques observed on a range of Middle Eastern objects, from Iznik pottery to Persian metalwork. The calligraphic vegetal motifs set off by inlaid black compound on a Safavid lampstand, on display near the videos, may have inspired the acid-etched arabesques and contrasting niello decoration that animate the candlestick.